The Economic Impact of Job Satisfaction on Doctor Retention: Evidence from Public Hospitals and Health Centers In Kendari City

Abstract

This study investigates the economic impact of physicians' turnover intention in public hospitals and community health centers in Kendari City by examining how culture, quality systems, and teamwork influence job satisfaction and employee retention. Using a quantitative approach with Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis on survey data collected from 212 healthcare professionals via a validated 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, the research found that culture and quality systems significantly and positively affect job satisfaction, which in turn significantly impacts turnover intention. Specifically, higher job satisfaction reduces doctors' intention to leave their jobs, thereby lowering turnover rates. The findings indicate that enhancing teamwork, quality systems, and organizational culture can improve job satisfaction, decrease turnover intention, and consequently reduce the economic burden associated with doctor turnover. These results provide valuable information for strategies and policies for the improvement of the economic activity of health management, medical adherence, and public health organizations. This study addresses a critical issue in the management of the health care workforce and provides appropriate information for policymaking, especially important for health care administrators and policymakers in low-and middle-income countries.