EXPLORING CAREER EXPECTATIONS AND JOB PERFORMANCE IN SPORTS MEDICINE LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS: THE ROLE OF SALARY PERCEPTIONS IN SHAPING WORK BEHAVIOR AND PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore the factors influencing positive work behavior and personal achievement among laboratory professionals in sports medicine in the post-pandemic era, with a focus on the interplay between career choice expectations and salary perceptions. Methods: Utilizing non-probabilistic sampling, 293 valid responses were collected from medical graduates employed in laboratory-related roles within the sports medicine industry, primarily from Shanghai. The demographic spanned ages 25 to 40, with educational qualifications ranging from college degrees to advanced degrees. A hypothesized model was tested to assess the relationships between career expectations, reward perceptions, and work outcomes. Results: The analysis revealed that career choice expectations significantly enhance both job performance and personal achievements among sports medicine laboratory professionals. Furthermore, salary perceptions were found to have a partial mediating effect on these relationships, underscoring their importance in motivating and retaining skilled professionals in this field. Conclusion: The findings illuminate how career aspirations and compensation expectations interact to shape professional behavior and success in the sports medicine laboratory sector. These insights are crucial for healthcare managers looking to optimize performance and job satisfaction in a competitive post-pandemic environment. The study not only aids managerial practices in healthcare institutions but also provides a valuable empirical basis for further research in sports medicine workforce dynamics.