Determinants shaping the sense of work satisfaction in uniformed services

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the factors that shape the sense of work satisfaction for selected uniformed services and to learn the level of satisfaction of servicepersons in terms of working in their respective services covered in this study. Design/methodology/approach: The research utilized the diagnostic survey method, a survey technique using a questionnaire addressed to employees of selected uniformed services based in the Silesian Voivodeship. Intentional-random selection was used, taking into consideration gender, age, service seniority, education, and corps, resulting in the inclusion of 174 employees of selected uniformed services in total. The survey included 22 statements. Assessments were made by granting points on the Likert scale, where 1 means "strongly disagree" and 5 means "strongly agree". The study was carried out over a period of five months (February-June) 2022. Findings: The conducted research allowed to identify key areas that require corrective action. The most significant gaps between the assessment and the expectations of the members of the examined uniformed services were identified in such areas as: fair treatment, perspective of professional development, the value of performed tasks, or interpersonal relations. Research limitations/implications: Due to the fact that the survey only included uniformed services, the biggest challenge was the access to respondents. That is why, this study is a pilot one and it is recommended to carry out extended studies in order to verify the results presented here. Practical implications: The study allowed to obtain an initial assessment of the sense of satisfaction among the members of the uniformed services covered. Social implications: The analysis of factors determining the sense of satisfaction with the work performed in uniformed services constitutes an important element impacting the potential improvement of the management of officers in the studied services. Originality/value: Due to the specific character of work in the uniformed services that includes numerous threats to health and life, as well as working under stress, it is important to study the factors affecting the sense of satisfaction with the performed work in order to improve the management of human potential.