Quality Of Work Life: Implications Of Career Dimensions

Journal of Social Sciences 2 (2): 61-67, 2006
ISSN 1549-3652
© 2006 Science Publications

Quality Of Work Life: Implications Of Career Dimensions

1Raduan Che Rose, 2LooSee Beh, 3Jegak Uli and 3Khairuddin Idris
1Graduate School of Management, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
2Faculty of Economics and Administration, Department of Administrative Studies and Politics
University of Malaya, Malaysia
3Faculty of Educational Studies, Department of Professional Development and Continuing Education
Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Abstract: Literature on QWL is limited and several studies commonly correlates with job satisfaction
but no study on QWL has associated with career related factors. This empirical study was done to
predict QWL in relation to career-related dimensions. The sample consists of 475 managers from the
free trade zones in Malaysia for both the multinational corporations (MNCs) and the small-medium
industries (SMIs). The result indicates that three exogenous variables are significant: career
satisfaction, career achievement and career balance, with 63% of the variance in QWL.

Key words: Quality of work life (QWL), career, organizational climate

INTRODUCTION

In fact, Malaysia’s industrial growth has created a

high demand for labor in the manufacturing sector.

Quality of Work Life (QWL) is a philosophy, a set
Malaysia’s electrical and electronics (E&E) industry is
of principles, which holds that people are the most
the largest contributor to the country’s manufacturing
important resource in the organization as they are
output, employment and exports. The E&E industry
trustworthy, responsible and capable of making
continues to be Malaysia’s largest export earner at
valuable contribution and they should be treated with
65.5% during the first six months of the year 2003[8].
dignity and respect[1]. The elements that are relevant to
Hence, the E&E industry creates the largest number of
an individual’s quality of work life include the task, the
job opportunities, totaling 20,493 in 2002 in the
physical work environment, social environment within
manufacturing projects out of the total of 68,575[9]. Due
the organization, administrative system and relationship
to the importance of this industry, it is a necessity to
between life on and off the job[2]. QWL consists of
evaluate the working environment of the executives in
opportunities for active involvement in group working
this sector that require medium to high skills.
arrangements or problem solving that are of mutual
Moreover, the Malaysian government is particularly
benefit to employees or employers, based on labor-
keen to seek investment projects which will contribute
management cooperation. People also conceive of
substantially to technology advancement in areas of
QWL as a set of methods, such as autonomous work
automation, digitalization, multimedia applications,
groups, job enrichment, high-involvement aimed at
consumer and industrial electronics. This is consistent
boosting the satisfaction and productivity of workers[3].
with the finding that competition in world markets for
It requires employee commitment to the organization
products in electronics has increased considerably over
and an environment in which this commitment can
the past few years. If this trend continues, this sector
flourish[4]. Thus, QWL is a comprehensive construct
will become even more competitive in the years to
that includes an individual’s job related well-being and
come[10].
the extent to which work experiences are rewarding,

In summary, the limitations of individual job
fulfilling and devoid of stress and other negative
satisfaction had been pointed out in the literature for
personal consequences[5].
assessing the QWL and there had been no attempt in the

Accordingly, the rising number of two-income
past to measure QWL in terms of career aspects and
households is heightening the concern for employees’
organizational climate. This study is an attempt in such
quality of work life. Given that female participation at
endeavor to further develop theoretical underpinnings
work is increasing, it is apparent that males and females
to the available literature on QWL.
independently will need to take care of both work and

home. Therefore, quality of work experience rather than
Past research on QWL: The evolution of QWL began
work per se became the focus of attention[6] and
in late 1960s emphasizing the human dimensions of
workplace wellness is crucial in promoting healthier
work by focusing on the quality of the relationship
working environments[7].
between the worker and the working environment.
Corresponding Author:
LooSee Beh, Faculty of Economics and Administration, Department of Administrative Studies and
Politics, University of Malaya, Malaysia
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J. Social Sci., 2 (2): 61-67, 2006
QWL as a discipline began in the U.S. in September
workplace. While the characteristics of the jobs have
1972 when the phrase was coined at a “democratization
long been considered to be important influences on
of work” conference held at Columbia University’s
work attitudes, the past decades of 1970s and 1980s
Arden House to discuss two movements. The first was a
have witnessed much greater attention to aspects of the
political movement inWestern Europe called ‘Industrial
organizational context in which the job is performed.
Democracy’. Militant, socialist labor unions were
Thus, we must also look at how organizational
lobbying the parliaments and assemblies of England,
characteristics exert both direct and indirect effect on
France, West Germany, Sweden and Italy to legislate
the QWL.
worker participation in corporate decision-making. The

Age may be the most commonly studied individual
second movement was the emergence in the U.S. of a
influence on work attitudes. Studies which use widely
number of social science theories about “humanizing
differing samples find consistent results: older
the workplace” [11]. This shows that the model that
employees are more satisfied, more job-involved and
evolved during the early years called for formalizing
more committed to their work. Studies of the relation
labor-management cooperation at the workplace by
between career stage and job satisfaction and job
establishing joint committees at various levels to define,
involvement yield inconsistent findings. For example,
diagnose and devise solutions to day-to-day work
there is a positive relation between career stage and
problems. For instance, participation programs emerged
work commitment when career stage is defined in terms
from contract bargaining between General Motors
of age, but curvilinear relations appear when age is
Corporation and United Auto Workers Union was
defined in terms of job or company tenure[14].
called Quality of Work Life in 1973 which was aimed

Past studies indicate that family roles reflect needs,
at increasing workers’ satisfaction with their jobs by
opportunities and constraints have influence on
giving them more information and a voice in decision-
individuals’ reactions to work. After all, two important
making[12].
focal points of adult life are family and work. The role

Indeed, it is difficult to best conceptualize the
expectations of these two domains are not always
quality of work life elements[13]. Walton[4] proposed
compatible thus creating conflicts[18]. These conflicts
eight major conceptual categories relating to QWL as
are related to outcomes such as job dissatisfaction, job
(1) adequate and fair compensation, (2) safe and
burnout and turnover[19-21], as well as to outcomes
healthy working conditions, (3) immediate opportunity
related to psychological distress e.g. depression and life
to use and develop human capacities, (4) opportunity
and marital dissatisfaction[22-24]. Work-family conflict
for continued growth and security, (5) social integration
studies have contributed to a better understanding of
in the work organization, (6) constitutionalism in the
role conflict and its impact on mental health and the
work organization, (7) work and total life space and (8)
quality of work life[25].
social relevance of work life.


Several published works have addressed the
Career and QWL: A career is the evolving sequence
constructs that make up the QWL domain and key
of a person’s work experiences over time. Career arises
elements of QWL programs[1-5,14]. Others such as
from the interaction of individuals with organizations
Pelsma et al.[15] and Hart[16] found that psychological
and society. Career is not a primarily a theoretical
distress and morale contributed equally to teachers’
construct but is used in meaningful ways, given
QWL. They determined that in the work climate of an
meaning and it creates meaning and also experience.
occupation, QWL can be assessed by combining the
More specifically, career is referred to as a succession
amount and the degree of stress and the degree of
of related jobs, arranged in a hierarchy of prestige,
satisfaction experienced by the individual within his/her
through which persons move in an ordered, predictable
occupational role. Winter et al.[17] viewed QWL for
sequence. There is also another side of career which
academicians as an attitudinal response to the
linked to the individual’s “moving perspective” on their
prevailing work environment and posited five work
life and its meaning.
environment domains that include role stress, job

Career satisfaction is defined as the satisfaction
characteristics, supervisory, structural and sectoral
individuals derive from intrinsic and extrinsic aspects
characteristics to directly and indirectly shape
of their careers, including pay, advancement and
academicians’ experiences, attitudes and behavior.
developmental opportunities[26]. This is in contrast to

According to Loscocco and Roschelle[14], the most
job satisfaction defined as pleasurable or positive
common assessment of QWL is the individual attitudes.
emotional state resulting from an appraisal of one’s job
This is because individual work attitudes are important
or job experiences. Korman et al.[27] developed a
indicators of QWL. The ways that people respond to
construct called materialistic ethic. It states that a
their jobs have consequences for their personal
career is more satisfying if it is higher in prestige,
happiness, the effectiveness of their work organizations
income and power in comparison to other positions. It
and even the stability of society. Individuals selectively
can be said that career satisfaction is largely a matter of
perceive and make attributions about their jobs in
an individual comparing his/her career and life
accordance with the expectations they bring to the
expectations with those being offered. In shaping such

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J. Social Sci., 2 (2): 61-67, 2006
career expectations, there are economic considerations
career achievement are factors likely to have impact on
(e.g. compensation and retirement benefits) and
QWL. Likewise, career balance with the rising
occupational and family considerations (professional
indication of conflict between work and family life is
satisfaction,
job
satisfaction,
advancement
also proposed as another factor determining QWL.
opportunities, relocation, etc.). Pay and perceived

The key elements in QWL include decision
promotion opportunities are important determinants of
participation, restructuring the nature of the work,
career satisfaction in economic considerations.
enhancing the work environment and defining the
Organizational characteristics such as organizational
reward structure. As pointed out in the literature, QWL
emphasis on human resources, fairness of practices and
reflects a concern for people’s experience at work, their
policies regarding living conditions and family issues
relationship with other people, their work setting and
were also important. Family life includes support from
their effectiveness on the job[35]. QWL activity involves
spouse and personal flexibility which had been found to
improvements in the workplace, with particular
be an important determinant of career satisfaction[28].
emphasis on physical work and the circumstances
As individuals reached their maturity stage of their
surrounding it. So, changes in rules, conditions, hours
careers, they have been found to place a greater
and other aspects of the environment are at issue.
emphasis on a balance between their work and family
Reward system is essential in promoting a climate of
lives that individuals place on their family role as they
involvement and career satisfaction. By mutually
age, the career satisfaction of older individuals is likely
solving work-related problems, building cooperation,
to be more negatively affected by work-family conflict
improving work environments, restructuring tasks and
than that of younger individuals. Some research
carefully and fairly managing human resource
indicates that a happy family life correlates with high
outcomes and payoffs, QWL programs will benefit both
levels of job satisfaction and objective career
labor and management.
success[29]. Rapoport and Rapoport[30] supported this by

showing that the family’s morale support and the
Research method: This study employed the survey
diversion that it entails make it an important factor
method that allow for broad coverage, flexibility and
affecting QWL.
convenience with inputs on related populations or

Based
on
Judge
et
al.[31],
career
events. Collection of data was self-administered to
success/achievement is defined as the positive
determine the level of QWL. Participation was granted
psychological outcomes or achievements one has
through prior appointments and consent via phone calls
accumulated as a result of experiences over the span of
from the organization. Each organization was visited at
working life which consists of objective career success
least twice by the researcher to establish rapport and
(job title, salary or promotion) and subjective career
reinforce contacts with the top management and related
success (one’s own appraisal of career attainment).
personnel to ensure smooth implementation of the
Research also suggests that job tenure and total time in
questionnaire distribution and collection. A third visit
one’s occupation are positively related to career
was made to ensure a degree of interest and
success/achievement besides the number of hours
commitment on the part of the respondents to collect
worked per week and salary and ascendancy[32]. A
the questionnaires if data collection was not possible
positive relationship between ambition and career
the second round, in addition to follow-up appeal via
success has been found in several studies of managers
phone calls. Questionnaires that are not received after
and executives[32,33].
the fourth week were classified as non-respondents.

In respect to career balance, Herriot[34] recognizes

that sometimes there is a conflict between personal life
Instrument development: Since this research is not a
and work and differences in perceptions of success in
replication of any previous studies, the questionnaire
life. Two important focal points of adult life are family
was developed through literature review and a mix and
and work. Nevertheless, the role expectations of these
match approach was undertaken to modify the sentence
two domains are not always compatible, creating
or complete withdrawal wherever necessary to suit the
conflicts between work and family life[18]. Due to the
local context.
conflicting roles between work and family and

While academics assisted in assessing face validity,
commitment, it is hypothesized that a higher conflict in
the managerial professionals in a multinational
the work role will result in the lower quality of family
corporation verified content validity. The final
life, meaning that a higher conflict will result in the
questionnaire was pre-tested on 19 managers. The
lower level of QWL, in other words, having a balance
coefficient values were all above 0.8, thus meeting
between work and family will result in the higher level
Nunnally’s[36] recommendation of > 0.7 as the
of QWL.
acceptable reliability level. The overall alpha value was

.8768. The final questionnaire had a total of 73 items
Propositions: With justification from the literature, it is
measuring six constructs (five independent and one
reasonable to suggest that aspects of career
dependent).
development with reference to career satisfaction and


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J. Social Sci., 2 (2): 61-67, 2006
Response scale: A ten-point scale with 1 being

Of the respondents, 67.2 per cent were male and
“strongly disagree” and being 10 “strongly agree” was
32.8 per cent were female. The majority of the
used. The type of statistical analysis required for this
respondents were aged 30-39 years (49.7%), followed
study (i.e. multiple regression analysis) dictated the use
by 40-49 years (23.8%), 24-30 years (21.9%) and > 50
of an interval scale, one which guaranteed that the
years (4.6%). The average age is 36.33 years
distances between adjacent numbers were the same and
(SD=6.905) with the youngest 24 years and oldest 58
had no true zero[37]. Therefore, the anchors of scale
years. The majority was married (77.5%), followed by
points were limited to the extremes without having any
singles (20.4%), divorced/separated (0.8%) and living
between. As advised by Allen and Rao[38], calculating
with partner (0.8%). The majority has bachelors degree
means and standard deviations are “highly suspect” if
(49.7%), diploma (30.1%), professional degree
ordinal-level scales are used. Typically, it is easier to
(10.9%), masters degree (8.2%) and certificate level
give ratings in terms of percentages or points e.g. 80 per
(1.1%). 44.2% of the respondents had less than 10 years
cent or 80 points. The simplicity of a 10-point scale is
of total tenure employment, followed by 43.6% (11-20
preferred as compared to the scale of any other number
years), 11.2% (21-30 years) and 1.1% (> 30
(5 or 7) that may need more explanations. Further, for a
years).They had worked an average of 12.5 years
narrow scale there are low levels of intercorrelation and
(SD=6.9639) in their career with a minimum of 3
limited variance[38,39]. This was particularly important,
months and a maximum of 37 years with an average
with variance explanation being the main concern for
tenure of 9.2 years (SD= 6.116) with a minimum of 3
this study.
months and a maximum of 32 years with the current

employer.
Target population and sample: A stratified random

sampling procedure was employed. The selection of
Level of QWL: Based on the ten-point scale used, the
respondents using this technique involves a complete
minimum QWL rating was 2.30 and a maximum of
list of industrial firms, multinationals (MNCs) and
10.00 and this gives a range of 7.70. The median QWL
small-medium industries (SMIs). A total of 475
rating value was 6.40 with a standard deviation of 1.46.
respondents as a good representative of the target
The mean QWL rating was 6.39 implying that overall
population of approximately 3,500 executives was
the level of QWL is good.
reached over a three-month period. The sample consists

The 25th percentile of the QWL is 5.40 and the 75th
of executives from the hub of industrial free trade zones
percentile is 7.40 and thus the interquartile range (IQR)
in the Klang Valley near Kuala Lumpur, in the prime
is 2.00. The values obtained for the 25th and 75th
areas of the location of the E & E industry where many
percentile suggest that 50% of the respondents have a
of the MNCs as well as the SMIs are situated and is
QWL rating between 5.40 and 7.40. The 90th percentile
accessible.
of the QWL is 8.24, which mean that 90% of the

respondents have a QWL reading of 8.24 or less. In
Data analysis: The quantitative data collected was
other words, only 10% of respondents obtained a QWL
subjected to various statistical analyses. Stepwise
reading of above 8.24.
regression, a method by which each predictor variable

In accordance with the ratings of below 4 is low, 4-
is selected for inclusion in the model based on the
6 is moderate, 7-8 is good and above 8 is excellent as
significance of t-statistics in a step-by-step selection,
the indication of satisfaction, the executives appeared to
was chosen based on the premise that multicollinearity,
have been rather satisfied with their level of QWL. The
which is a common problem in multiple regression,
executives who felt that their level of QWL is good
could be somewhat circumvented[38]. In this study, a
(49.5%), moderate (30.7%), excellent (13.1%) and low
default α of 0.05 was used to determine the level of
(6.1%).
significance. Table 1 contains summary statistics,

The findings in Table 1 indicate that the mean
Cronbach’s alphas and zero-order correlation matrix for
ratings for the independent variables in descending
order of high to low are career achievement (M=6.6766,
the variables under study.
SD=1.4123),
career
satisfaction
(M=6.3905,

SD=1.1148)
and
career
balance
(M=5.6749,
RESULTS
SD=1.1499).


As depicted in Table 1, QWL is positively related

In total, the final number collected was 480 of
to career satisfaction (r = .599, p = 0.001), career
which 5 were not used as their designation positions
achievement (r = .711, p = .001), career balance (r =
were not from the sampling requirements as they were
.143, p = .001).
non-executives. Hence, the final usable sample was

reduced to 475 which had a returned rate of 83.6%. By
Determinants of QWL: To find out the determinants
and large, it was felt that the samples were
of QWL, a stepwise regression method was used. Based
representative of the populations for the respective
on the stepwise method used, the three predictor
areas studied.
variables were found to be of significance in explaining

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J. Social Sci., 2 (2): 61-67, 2006

Table 1: Descriptive Statistics, zero-order correlations and Cronbach’s alpha of QWL and the predictor variables
Variables
X
s
Y
X1
X2
X3
Y
QWL (10)
6.3882
1.45784
0.84



X1
Career satisfaction (10)
6.3905
1.11479
0.60
0.87


X2
Career achievement (13)
6.6766
1.41228
0.71
0.72
0.82

X3
Career balance (15)
5.6749
1.14991
0.14
0.34
0.25
0.91
Notes: Figures in parentheses are the number of items measuring each construct; figures in italics are Cronbach’s alpha; zero-order coefficients p
< 0.01

Table 2: Estimates of coefficients for the model

QWL dimension
B
Std. Error
Beta
t
p-value

(Unstandardized

(Standardized

Coefficients)

Coefficients)
Constant
1.166
0.322

3.625
0.0001
Career satisfaction (X1)
0.178
0.056
0.136
3.202
0.001
Career achievement (X2)
0.365
0.047
0.354
7.731
0.0001
Career balance (X3)
- 0.124
0.040
-0.098
-3.141
0.002
Notes: R = 0.791; R2 = 0.626; Adj. R2 = 0.622

QWL. The three predictor variables are career
no multicollinearity problem between the predictors
satisfaction , career achievement and career balance .
included in the model and the assumptions of

As depicted in the coefficients table (Table 2), the
normality, equality of variance and linearity are all met,
estimates of the model coefficients for 0 is 1.166, 1 is
hence, it is reasonable to conclude that the estimated
0.178, 2 is 0.365, 3 is - 0.124. Therefore, the
multiple regression model is valid and quite
estimated model is as below:
respectable.
Y (QWL) = 1.166 + 0.178 (X1) + 0.365 (X2) - 0.124

(X3) + E
DISCUSSION
Where:

X1 = career satisfaction,

Without doubt, the most important determinant of
X2 = career achievement,
QWL is career achievement, followed by career
X3 = career balance and
satisfaction and career balance.

The R-squared of 0.626 implies that the four

Marital status, age, income, education, total tenure
predictor variables explain about 62.6% of the variance
years of employment and tenure with current employer
in the QWL. This is quite a respectable result. The
correlate positively with QWL. In this sample, this
ANOVA table revealed that the F-statistics (157.126) is
indicates that as age increases, so does the level of
very large and the corresponding p-value is highly
career achievement. Similarly with the increase of the
significant (0.0001) or lower than the alpha value of
total tenure years of employment and tenure with the
0.05. This indicates that the slope of the estimated
current employer also indicate the increase in the level
linear regression model line is not equal to zero
of QWL. Accordingly, the number of children
confirming that there is linear relationship between
correlates negatively with total tenure years of
QWL and the predictor variables.
employment, career satisfaction, career achievement,

As depicted in Table 2, the Beta value for career
organizational climate and QWL. This means that as
achievement is the highest (0.354), followed by career
age increases, together with the total tenure years of
satisfaction (0.136). The Beta value for career balance
employment and with the current employer, the number
is the smallest (-0.098) indicating that it made the least
of children decreased. In turn, this will increase the
contribution.
level of career satisfaction, career achievement and

Based on the collinearity diagnostic table obtained,
QWL. This is consistent with the literature that age
none of the model dimensions has condition index
positively predicts success presumably because
above the threshold value of 30.0, none of tolerance
extrinsic outcomes accrue over time[40,41]. It also
value smaller than 0.10 and VIF statistics are less than
indicates that older respondents had been long in their
10.0. This indicated that there is no serious
career and had achieved more promotions in their
multicollinearity problem among the predictor variables
careers than had younger executives[31]. Also, the
of the model. The normal P-P plot of regression
respondents who worked in MNCs were reported to
standardized residuals revealed all observed values fall
have a slightly higher level of QWL as compared to
roughly along the straight line indicating that the
those in SMIs. The higher the income obtained by the
residuals are from a normally distributed. The
respondents, the higher the level of QWL.
scatterplot (standardized predicted values against

However, the respondents did not express the level
observed values) indicate the relationship between the
of satisfaction with their career balance. This is in line
dependent variables and the predictors is linear and the
with the literature standpoint and expressed in the
residuals variances are equal or constant. Since there is
conflict between work and family life. The results show

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J. Social Sci., 2 (2): 61-67, 2006
that the respondents are satisfied with their achievement

The fact that is worthy of conclusion is the
(63.8%) in their career progress but not in terms of
importance of career achievement in QWL. In the
career balance (36.6%). Participation in the work
current context, the emphasis is on income, position and
(family) role is made more difficult by virtue of
personal growth and opportunity in career mobility as
participation in the family (work) role[22]. Executives
potential success indicators. Further, this is related to
who value their career quite highly will find that it
having a harmonious successful home environment
affects the amount of time they can devote to the
from spousal and family support that is highly valued
family[41]. Rapoport and Rapoport[30] supported this by
where career balance is expected to provide some
showing that the family’s morale support and the
impact as found in this paper.
diversion that it entails make it an important factor

It can thus be concluded that the essential
affecting QWL.
determinants of QWL appears to be career related,

There is significant difference of QWL between
taking into account the executives’ met expectations of
married and singles (F = 1.644, df = 463, p = 0.02).
their career development.
Those who are married and have children have a higher

level of QWL as compared to the singles. Past
Some suggestions for future research: This study has
researchers have observed that in early stages of their
the potential value for further research. To ensure
careers, individuals are often willing to sacrifice their
representativeness, the study should be replicated to
personal lives in the interests of their career
cover a bigger sampling frame and the results should be
progression. However, as individuals advance in age to
compared to those found in this study. Future research
the maturity stage of their career, they have been found
should further explore the perception of career and
to place a greater emphasis on a balance between their
understand that changes may take place in that
work and family lives that individuals place on their
perception as life events occur and how social values
family role as they age. Prior research has found that
relate to career elements and family elements if we are
being married leads individuals to give their personal
to increase our present limited ability to explain
lives priority over their work lives. Similarly, being a
individual’s QWL. Given the changes experienced by
parent increases the importance that individuals place
organizations that can include the virtual organizations
on their family role. Some research indicates that a
and telecommuting, one possible insight is to evaluate
happy family life correlates with high levels of job
the extent of QWL and the desirable level in such post-
satisfaction and objective career success[29]. This is
modern climate where flexibility into organizational
supported in this sample of study.
structures and work schedules are emerging.

In this study, the E & E industry comprises mostly

Japanese companies where the workers tend to have
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