| The following study used a cross-sectional research design to determine academic medical center food and nutrition services employees' definition of respect in the workplace and explore the relationship between employees' perceptions of respect and job satisfaction. Data were collected from 18 employees, who participated in three focus groups, and 149 (59%) employees, who completed a written questionnaire. Respect behaviors that should be encouraged to increase job satisfaction were identified in study results. Employees responded perceiving more respect than disrespect within the workplace and reported that they were somewhat satisfied with their current position. Coworkers greeting each other (m = 5.5 on 7-point Liken type scale) and talking politely to each other (m = 5.4 on a 7-point Likert type scale) were rated highest, the most prevalent respect behaviors currently perceived by employees. Employees responded that they were most satisfied with their work (m = 5.5 on 7-point Likert scale) and least satisfied with their opportunities for promotion (m = 4.6). Ratings, grouped into three respect and two job satisfaction scores, differed significantly based on job title, age, and length of time in position. Moderate (r = .31--.73) correlations existed among scores. Further research is encouraged to confirm study results. |
