Intrinsic and extrinsic predictors of work satisfaction in ambulatory care and hospital settings.

This study assessed the ability of selected intrinsic and extrinsic variables to predict allied health practitioners' work satisfaction in ambulatory care and hospital settings. A total of 413 occupational and physical therapists in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina provided data via a mailed survey. Multiple regression analyses examined the predictive power of selected intrinsic and extrinsic variables upon therapists' work satisfaction in the ambulatory care and hospital setting. The regression model for therapists in ambulatory care settings was a better predictor of work satisfaction than the model for therapists in the hospital setting. Results indicated that respondents' intrinsic orientation toward their work, and their perception of the general working conditions in the organization were two of the strongest predictors of their work satisfaction in the ambulatory care and hospital setting. The findings provide information that can be useful in developing recruitment and retention strategies in both work settings.