The Association of Relational Coordination and Faculty Members' Burnout and Job Satisfaction: A Preliminary Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction. The relational coordination theory describes the interaction between effective communication and high-quality relationships critical for coordinating and accomplishing tasks when multiple individuals and groups are involved. Review of Literature. Relational coordination is associated with improved worker performance, increased job satisfaction, and reduced burnout. The purposes of this paper were to examine the differences in physical therapist education program (PTEP) core faculty members' perceived relational coordination with other PTEP faculty members, staff, and administration and to examine the associations between PTEP core faculty members' perceived relational coordination and its subscales and their perceived burnout and job satisfaction. Subjects. Entry-level PTEP core faculty members. Methods. An online survey that included the Relational Coordination Survey, Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, and Job Satisfaction Survey was used. A 1-way analysis of variance was conducted to test whether there were differences in PTEP core faculty members' perceived relational coordination with other PTEP faculty members, staff, and administration. Several simple linear regressions were conducted to test the associations between PTEP core faculty members' perceived relational coordination and its subscales and their perceived burnout and job satisfaction. Results. A total of 103 responses were analyzed. The PTEP core faculty members' mean perceived relational coordination with core faculty members was significantly higher than the mean relational coordination with associated faculty members, administration, and staff. Physical therapist education program core faculty members' perceived relational coordination and all its subscales were negatively associated with perceived disengagement. Perceived problem-solving communication and mutual respect were negatively associated with perceived exhaustion. Physical therapist education program core faculty members' perceived relational coordination and all its subscales were positively associated with perceived job satisfaction. Discussion and Conclusion. The quality of communication and relationships between and among core faculty members, administrators, and staff may affect PTEP core faculty members' perceived burnout and job satisfaction.