Exploring the Relationship between Motivation and Occupational Commitment in Engineers in the Irish MedTech Industry: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

In this study, the author explores the relationship between engineers’ motivation and occupational commitment in Ireland’s MedTech industry. The objectives of this study were to determine the presence of occupational commitment in this population, define the motivation factors affecting their job satisfaction, and then explore the relationship between their occupational commitment and motivation.

These objectives are addressed through the collection and analysis of qualitative primary research data from participants working as engineers within the Irish MedTech industry, and the critical review of secondary research data from various books, articles, journals and reports. This primary and secondary data is later analysed, compared, and interpreted using the thematic analysis procedure, and subsequently discussed according to the research objectives.

The results of this study found that 70% of participants demonstrated commitment to their occupation. Of those who displayed occupational commitment, 83% were biomedical engineering graduates, with this group also reporting higher job satisfaction than participants from mechanical or manufacturing engineering backgrounds. This study concludes that there appears to be a causal relationship between motivation and occupational commitment in Ireland’s MedTech engineers, whereby all participants who reported being committed to their occupation also reported being satisfied to somewhat satisfied with their current job. The 30% of participants who are not committed to their occupation also shared that they are dissatisfied with their current job.

A key recommendation for further study in this field would be the exploration of educational background as a mediating role in engineers’ motivation and occupational commitment.