International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences

search-icon

A Study on Job Satisfaction among Station Masters in A Rail Organization in Malaysia

Open access
This study investigates the variables affecting job satisfaction among station masters working for a renowned Malaysian train operator. Maintaining a motivated and effective staff is largely dependent on job satisfaction, particularly in the context of the transportation sector. The efficient functioning of train services, passenger safety, and overall customer satisfaction are crucially dependent on Station Masters. The success of the rail operator depends on their ability to comprehend their levels of job satisfaction and the elements influencing them. A mixed-methods strategy is used in the study, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. A standardised questionnaire is sent to a sample of station masters representing different stations and lines during the quantitative phase. The survey comprises standardised scales to assess career satisfaction, work-life balance, overall job satisfaction, and stress connected to the job. To acquire a greater understanding of the Station Masters' opinions and experiences, semi-structured interviews are done with a subset of them throughout the qualitative phase. These interviews seek to learn more about the qualitative elements of job satisfaction, such as the value of job autonomy, the effects of shift work on personal time, and the impact of organisational policies on job satisfaction. According to preliminary research, Station Masters find fulfilment in their duties to ensure the safety of passengers, operational effectiveness, and the smooth running of the entire railway system. Positive interpersonal ties with bosses and coworkers also enhance employees' job satisfaction. However, issues with inconsistent working hours, high levels of stress at busy times, and a lack of opportunity for career progression become sources of dissatisfaction. The findings of this study will be a great source of information for the management of the rail operator, highlighting the areas that need to be improved to increase Station Masters' job satisfaction. The study's conclusions can help formulate plans for enhancing working conditions, dealing with stressors, and creating a more encouraging and happier workplace. The study's goal is to support the rail operator's efforts to maximise employee satisfaction, which will enhance overall operational effectiveness and the passenger experience.
Aaakashkumawat. (2023), ‘Rail Station Master Salary, Job Profile and Career Growth’, Extracted from: https://www.sscadda.com/rrb-ntpc-station-master-salary-job-profile-and-career-growth/ updated January 12, 2023.
Abdul-Kader, W., Ganjavi, O., & Solaiman, A. (2010), An integrated model for optimisation of production and quality costs. International Journal of Production Research, Vol. 48, pp. 7357-7370.
Abdul-Rashid, A.-A. (2006), Privatisation of fixed-rail transit systems: a case study of Malaysia?s STAR and PUTRA. Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, Vol. 33, pp. 846-853.
Acharya, S. A. (2005), Public transport and urban sustainability in Asia.
ADIBAH, B. (2007), Development of Travel Behavioural Model Incorporating, Ekspres Rail Link (ERL) Services. Undergraduate Final Year Project, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia. AMRI, A. M. (2008). Changes in Urban Travel Behaviour of Rail Commuter Users, Undergraduate Final Year Project Report is submitted as Partial requirement, for the degree of BACHELOR ENGINEERING (HONS) (CIVIL), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia, Shah Alam, Malaysia.
Azizan, H. (2006). A Framework of Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan, Malaysia. 28th Conference of Australian Institutes of Transport Research (CAITR) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Barter, P. A., Kenworthy, J., & Laube, F. (2003). Lessons from Asia on sustainable urban transport. In: LOW, N. P. & GLEESON, B. J. (eds.) Making Urban Transport Sustainable. Basingstoke UK: Palgrave-Macmillan.
Beirao, G., & Cabral, S. J. A. (2007). Understanding attitudes towards public transport and private car: A qualitative study. Journal of Transport Policy, Vol. 14, pp. 478–489.
Bell, M. G. H. (200)3. Capacity Constrained Transit Assignment Models and Reliability Analysis. In: LAM, W. H. K. & BELL, M. G. H. (eds.) Advanced Modeling for Transit Operations and Service Planning. Elsevier Science Ltd. - Pergamon.
Benavie, A. (1972). Mathematical Techniques for Economic Analysis, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Prentice-Hall, Inc. BHARATHI, N. 2010. Passenger's attitude and satisfaction in rails (special reference to Coimbatore region). International Journal of Research in Commerce & Management, Vol. 1, pp. 121-127. BLACK, J. 2003. A Dictionary of Economics. McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Cambridge Systematics, I. (1996). Travel Survey Manual. Cambridge MA.: U.S. Department of Transportation, 1996.
Department for Transport. (2012). TAG Unit 3.5.6: Values of Time and Vehicle Operating Costs. In: Transport Appraisal and Strategic Modelling (Tasm) Division, D. F. T. (Ed.). London.
Department for Transport. (2014). TAG Unit A1.3: User and Provider Impacts. In: Transport Appraisal and Strategic Modelling (Tasm) Division, D. F. T. (Ed.). London.
Department Of Rails Malaysia. (2009). Rail and Train Sub-optimal Services.
Department Of Statistics Malaysia (2000-2006). Car Registrations in FTKL, Selangor and (FTKL+ Selangor = KLCUR), (1965-2006).
Department Of Statistics Malaysia. (2009). Car registrations in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (FTKL), Selangor and (FTKL and Selangor) from 2000 to 2006.
Economic Planning Unit of The Prime Minister's Department, M. (2001). Average Daily Passengers of Urban Rail Transport due to Population Growth in Kuala Lumpur.
Economic Planning Unit of The Prime Minister Department, Epu. (2006). Improving Infrastructure, Utilities and Urban Transportation., The Ninth Malaysia Plan 2006 – 2010.
Fauzi, W. M. (2010). Customers' Perception towards Electric Commuter Train, Services: Application of Logistic Regression Analysis. the Regional Conference on Statistical Sciences 2010 (RCSS'10).
Feng, X. (2011). Optimization of target speeds of high-speed rail trains for traction energy saving and transport efficiency improvement. Journal of Energy Policy, Vol. 39.
Heong, D. Y. S. (2019), – THE RAIL ORGANIZATION issues are man-made, The New Straits Times, dated December 5.
Hamzah, S. (1966). Contemporary urbanization in Malaysia. Asian Survey, Vol. 6. Retrieved form https://www.transportmalaysia.com/ktm-berhad/ updated 6 February 2018.
Jamilah, M. (1992), Whither transport plans in Kuala Lumpur? progress and challenges in urban transport planning. Malaysian Journal of Tropical Geography Special Publication, The View from Within–Geographical, Essays on Malaysia and South-east Asia,
Amoli, M. R. J. (2016) Issues in Rail Station Building Maintenance in Malaysia (THE RAIL ORGANIZATION), Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, April
Pappaterra, M. J.(2022), A Review of Literature and Public Datasets for the Application of Artificial Intelligence in the Rail Industry, Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University, March.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysian_movement_control_order.
Chanda, P. (2018), Retrieved from https://www.jagranjosh.com/articles/how-to-become-rail-station-master-1497513987-1,
Patrick, G. S. (2006) Malayan Railways - a brief Introduction, Published by BORHT, GLOUCESTER, United Kingdom.
Abd Aziz, S., Kasim, R., Masirin, M. I. M. (2018) Rail Development, and the Impact to Malaysian Economy, Journal of Advanced Research in Dynamical and Control Systems 10 (6):272-280, January.
Rajamanikam, S. R. (2003) The Contribution of Malayan Rail Transportation towards the Transportation and Economy of Malaysia.
Stanistreet, J. A. (1973) The Malayan Railway, Published by Oakwood, GLOUCESTER, United Kingdom.