Determinants Affecting Job Embeddedness Among Generation Y Dentists Working in Provincial Health Office in Thailand

Abstract

Objective: 1) to evaluate job embeddedness and 2) to explain the determinants affecting job embeddedness among Generation Y dentists working in Provincial Health Offices (PHOs).

Materials and Methods: This study used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. Quantitative data was collected through questionnaires distributed to 83 Generation Y dentists in PHOs, with Cronbach's Alpha ranging between 0.797 and 0.949, and qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 selected questionnaire respondents. Data were collected from August to October 2023 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis.

Results: The findings showed that (1) job embeddedness among Generation Y dentists in PHOs was high across all dimensions, average scores range from 2.73 to 3.07, exceeding 2.51 on a 4-point Likert scale. (2) The five main determinants influencing job embeddedness is: 1) community factors 2) colleagues within the same generation 3) leader-member exchanges 4) work patterns, particularly in clinical dentistry and 5) Compensation and benefits differ from those in the hospital.

Conclusion: The determinants affecting job embeddedness among Generation Y dentists working in PHOs involve community, Job attributes, and organizational benefits. Organizations can use this research to establish standard operating procedures and promote modern incentive measures for the upcoming era, enhancing job embeddedness and enabling new-generation dentists to work effectively and happily.