Key factors affecting employee job satisfaction in Malaysian manufacturing firms post COVID-19 pandemic: a Delphi study

The purpose of this research is to examine the determinants that impact employee job satisfaction in the manufacturing industry of Malaysia in the midst of technological progress and economic changes that have been further complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study utilizes the Delphi method to ascertain and rank workplace factors that influence job satisfaction. By employing a qualitative Delphi approach, the study amasses expert consensus in order to investigate the complex dimensions of job satisfaction within the manufacturing sector. The study solicits input from industry experts via two rounds of surveys in order to evaluate the significance of a variety of working environment factors. The analysis is guided by theoretical frameworks, including Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory. In descending order of importance, industry experts agreed that compensation and benefits are the most significant determinant of employee job satisfaction, followed by support for work-life balance, rewards and recognition, organizational support, and opportunities for career growth and development. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on job satisfaction by utilizing the Delphi method, which is an innovative approach in this particular domain, to obtain expert consensus regarding the factors that influence job satisfaction in the manufacturing industry. This approach overcomes the constraints of quantitative methodologies by offering comprehensive analyses of the qualitative dimensions of employee satisfaction. In addition, the study provides policymakers and industry stakeholders with actionable suggestions, underscoring the importance of implementing comprehensive approaches to improve job satisfaction.