The Influence of Professionalism to Job Satisfaction and Job Performance of the Physical Therapist

Purpose: This study was conducted in order to understand the influence of professionalism on job satisfaction and job performance of the physical therapist. Methods: Subjects were 148 physical therapists. We conducted a questionnaire survey on professionalism, job satisfaction, and job performance. Professionalism questions were 'Compliance of professional organization', 'Beliefs about public service', 'Autonomy', 'Beliefs about self-regulation', and 'Vocation awareness of the profession'. A regression analysis was then performed. Results: The subjects' average score for professionalism was $3.18{\pm}0.31$ points. The lowest score for satisfaction was observed for 'Compliance of professional organization'. Professionalism had an effect on job satisfaction. 'Vocation awareness of the profession (${\beta}=0.44$, p<0.001)', 'Beliefs about public service (${\beta}=0.25$, p<0.01)', and 'Autonomy (${\beta}=0.17$, p<0.05)' had an effect on job satisfaction. R square=0.46 (adjusted R square=0.45). Professionalism had an effect on job performance. 'Autonomy (${\beta}=0.29$), p<0.001)', 'Vocation awareness of the profession (${\beta}=0.22$, p<0.05)', and 'Beliefs about self-regulation (${\beta}=0.18$, p<0.05)' had an effect on job performance. R square=0.25 (adjusted R square=0.22). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that in order to improve job satisfaction and job performance, it is necessary to improve professionalism. Therefore physical therapists should improve their professionalism ('Compliance of professional organization', 'Beliefs about public service', 'Autonomy', 'Beliefs about self-regulation', and 'Vocation awareness of the profession') in order to improve their job satisfaction and job performance. In addition, research to improve professionalism of the physical therapist should be continued.