A comparative study between governmental and non-governmental social organisations as a choice of employment

Abstract

This research portfolio explores what care/support workers in Malta consider attractive when choosing to apply for a job vacancy within a governmental and/or non-governmental social organisation. By the use of an online qualitative survey, this study seeks the views of participants working within two governmental organisations – Foundation for Social Welfare Services and Agenzija Sapport – and four non-governmental social organisations – Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem, Richmond Foundation, Fondazzjoni Dar il-Hena, Fondazzjoni Sebħ. After the results were obtained, a thematic analysis was conducted and the results were presented according to the themes. This study shows that while females are the predominant gender amongst caregivers, there are several differences related to their characteristics among those that work within governmental organisations and NGOs. It was also noted that even their choices to choose the caring career showed a different inclination concerning the values underlying this decision with social responsibility being a common underlying value. Exploring more on the attractive factors shows that while participants within the governmental sector tend to get into this field for job satisfaction, those in the non-governmental sphere do this more for the altruistic value of helping those in need. Indeed, the fact that the governmental sector tends to retain care/support workers more than the non-governmental, could be related to increased pay and better conditions of work when compared to the non-governmental. However, the factor that participants from the governmental sector deem as fundamental at work is teamwork/cooperation, while those within the non-governmental sector opt for a supportive working environment. These motivating factors together with pay hold a high potential attractive power that would encourage care/support workers to make a move and join another organisation.