Physician satisfaction, professional characteristics and behavior formalization in hospitals

In this paper, an analysis is presented of professional and bureaucratic predictors of physician satisfaction. Results from 210 physicians in 17 medical departments of university hospitals support the hypotheses that both professional attitudes and formal structuring of work activities have a positive effect on physician satisfaction. It is shown that behavior formalization, preference for professional autonomy and the time spent on patient care activities within medical departments are positive predictors of satisfaction with work environment, while 'traditional' professional attitudes like craftsmanship and client service have more impact on satisfaction with patient demand. Certification is a strong positive predictor of work load satisfaction. Satisfaction with work environment was the most important factor in explaining other satisfaction dimensions. This finding supports the hypothesized 'buffering' effect of the affective climate or 'feel' of the professional work environment in hospitals. The implication of the findings is, that in the process of bureaucratization of medical practice in hospitals, specific attention should be paid to the maintenance of professional values as guidelines for professional work and to the maintenance of a good affective work environment for professionals in order to prevent dissatisfaction with patient demand and work load.