Job-hopping behaviour in the engineering sector in Penang Malaysia

Qian Gui Loh; Walton Wider; Ying Ket Chong; Leilei Jiang; Lester Naces Udang; Jem Cloyd M. Tanucan

doi:10.24294/jipd.v8i8.4961

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Job-hopping behaviour in the engineering sector in Penang Malaysia

Qian Gui Loh

Walton Wider

Ying Ket Chong

Leilei Jiang

Lester Naces Udang

Jem Cloyd M. Tanucan

Journal of Infrastructure Policy and Development 2024, 8(8), 4961; https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i8.4961

Submitted：02 Mar 2024

Accepted：25 Mar 2024

Published：13 Aug 2024

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Abstract

Purpose: This research aims to explore the phenomenon of job-hopping in the engineering sector in Penang, Malaysia, focusing on how factors like positive work culture, compensation and benefits, and job satisfaction influence an engineer’s propensity to frequently change jobs. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design, targeting 200 engineers in Penang. It was grounded in Herzberg’s Motivation-Hygiene Theory. Data collection was conducted using online questionnaires, which were adaptations of instruments used in previous research. Statistical analysis, including Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression, was performed using SPSS software. Findings: The Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant negative relationships between positive work culture, compensation and benefits, job satisfaction, and the tendency to job-hop. However, in the regression analysis, only job satisfaction emerged as a significant predictor of job-hopping behavior. This finding suggests that while factors like work culture and compensation/benefits contribute to the overall work environment, they do not primarily drive job mobility among engineers in this region. The study indicates that job satisfaction plays a more crucial role in influencing engineers’ decisions to change jobs frequently. Conclusion: The study enriches the field of organizational psychology by applying Herzberg’s theory to understand job-hopping behavior in the engineering sector. For organizations in Penang, the findings highlight the importance of enhancing job satisfaction as a strategy for reducing job-hopping and retaining talent. This insight is valuable for both academic research and practical application in the industry, emphasizing the critical role of job satisfaction in curbing job-hopping tendencies within the engineering field.

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References

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