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The Relationship Between Work-Life Balance and Job Satisfaction Among Medical Doctors in Johor Bahru: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study

Author

Listed:
  • Siti Nur Fadilah Kassim

    (Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, University Selangor (UNISEL))

  • Sneha Kumara

    (Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, University Selangor (UNISEL))

  • Nur Muneerah Kasim

    (Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, University Selangor (UNISEL))

  • Thilaagheswary a/p Thangadurai

    (Department of Social Science, Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, University Selangor (UNISEL))

  • Muhamad Hafiz Masran

    (Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Intelligent Computing, University Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP))

Abstract

This research aims to examine the relationship between work-life balance (WLB) and job satisfaction (JS) among medical doctors in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, identifying how the balance between professional and personal life influences their occupational well-being. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing purposive sampling to recruit 354 medical doctors. Data were collected through structured questionnaires featuring the 15-item Work-Life Balance Scale (Fisher et al., 2009) and the 20-item Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). Reliability analysis was conducted using Cronbach’s alpha to ensure internal consistency. Results reveal a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between work-life balance and job satisfaction. Sub-dimensions of WLB; including Work Interference with Personal Life (WIPL), Personal Life Interference with Work (PLIW), and Work/Personal Life Enhancement (WPLE), demonstrated high reliability. Medical doctors reporting better balance between work and personal life showed greater job satisfaction, supporting theoretical frameworks such as Boundary Theory, Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, and Social Exchange Theory. The study’s purposive sampling limits the generalizability of the findings. Further research with broader sampling techniques and longitudinal designs is recommended to confirm and extend these results. This study contributes valuable insights into occupational well-being among medical professionals in Malaysia, underscoring the importance of implementing supportive work-life policies to enhance job satisfaction, reduce burnout, and improve healthcare quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Siti Nur Fadilah Kassim & Sneha Kumara & Nur Muneerah Kasim & Thilaagheswary a/p Thangadurai & Muhamad Hafiz Masran, 2025. "The Relationship Between Work-Life Balance and Job Satisfaction Among Medical Doctors in Johor Bahru: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(9), pages 3885-3903, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bcp:journl:v:9:y:2025:issue-9:p:3885-3903
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alex Aruldoss & Kellyann Berube Kowalski & Miranda Lakshmi Travis & Satyanarayana Parayitam, 2021. "The relationship between work–life balance and job satisfaction: moderating role of training and development and work environment," Journal of Advances in Management Research, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 19(2), pages 240-271, September.
    2. Dodi Wirawan Irawanto & Khusnul Rofida Novianti & Kenny Roz, 2021. "Work from Home: Measuring Satisfaction between Work–Life Balance and Work Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia," Economies, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-13, June.
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    5. Alex Aruldoss & Kellyann Berube Kowalski & Miranda Lakshmi Travis & Satyanarayana Parayitam, 2021. "The relationship between work–life balance and job satisfaction: moderating role of training and development and work environment," Journal of Advances in Management Research, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 19(2), pages 240-271, September.
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