BEYOND PAYCHECKS: THE ROLE OF MORALE AND EMPOWERMENT IN EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION

Abstract

This research aims to analyze how employee morale (EM) and employee empowerment (EE) contribute to job satisfaction (JS) at the banking sector in Khairpur, Sindh. The quantitative research method collects data from employees yielding a total number of 104 bank employees by applying a structured questionnaire. Results showed that employee morale and employee empowerment are both significantly associated with job satisfaction. However, employee morale is much stronger in its effect. Correlation analysis indicates that employee morale is highly positively correlated with job satisfaction (r = 0.786, p = 0.000). It has a moderate high positive correlation between employee empowerment and job satisfaction (r = 0.524, p = 0.000). Regression analysis indicates that employee morale is the highest predictor for job satisfaction. (B 0.660, p 0.000), followed by employee empowerment with (B 0.312, p 0.000). This means recommendations for the organizations would be to develop strategies like motivation programs, leadership support, and participation in work environments with an eye toward employee empowerment to include freedom and authority in decision making. This study is a milestone towards bettering workplace satisfaction and productivity. Future studies should examine this dynamic across other industries of culture so as to develop larger and broader workplace adaptable strategies.