THE EFFECT OF FAIRNESS AND JOB SATISFACTION IN THE SWEDISH PUBLIC SECTOR : : NURSING HOMES IN TIERP AND GÄVLE

Abstract:

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze how fairness and its´ components; the distributive, procedural and interactional influence job satisfaction in the Swedish Public Sector. Our examination places were nursing homes in two Mid-Swedish towns of Gävle and Tierp. 

Method: The study is based on ten qualitative interviews with employees in the nursing homes within the Swedish Public Sector. We used a deductive study approach where we let the participants express themselves at the same time having specific questions derived from theory about fair HRM developed by Bowen, Gilliland and Folger (1999). We analyzed the answers question by question in order to reach to a conclusion and achieve the aim of the study. The data is reported through written text, tables, graphs and findings and implications. 

Result & Conclusions: We obtained the following: that there are rules and procedures as well as communications that need to be improved, likewise the gender equality and stand-ins´ possibility to influence. The service quality and delivery is not compromised where the employees experience emotional rewards by final customers. Following issues need to be highlighted; the issue of gender equality, rules and procedures and communications. 

Suggestions for future research: A study where a quantitative technique can be used to consider the direct impact between fairness and job satisfaction to check the results of qualitative study and generalize. Further research could also include the impact gender has in predominantly men or women- sectors on perceived fairness and job satisfaction as well as the views of stand-ins on topics as fairness and job satisfaction in public sectors. 

Contribution of the thesis: This study contributes to theoretical knowledge development about the notions of fairness and job satisfaction within the Swedish Public Sector. The topics of interest that we recommend managers to improve are: gender equality, rules and procedures and communications at the same time as that the entry- and working conditions should be made better and easier in order to attract younger workforce into the sector.