The Relationship between Social Support and Job Performance of Social Workers

Abstract

Background: Receiving social support can result in a better job performance. For this reason, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and job performance of social workers in Tehran. Methods: The statistical population included all social workers working in Tehran. For this purpose, 325 social workers in Tehran in 2017 were selected and studied by non probability convenience sampling and Cochran's formula. Phillips Social Support Inventory (PSSI) and Job Performance Questionnaire (JPQ) were used for data collection. In order to analyze the data, the correlation coefficient test, independent t-test, and multivariate regression were used. Results: The results indicated a positive correlation between all components of social support (family members’ support, friends’ support, and the others’ support) and job performance among social workers (P < 0.01). Regression analysis showed that it is only the others’ support which can predict changes in job performance (P < 0.01). Other results indicated that female and older social workers had a better job performance than male and younger social workers. Conclusion: Receiving enough social support puts the job performance of social workers in a desriable place and thus provides better quality services.

Keywords

• social support
• job performance
• social workers