Understanding career motivation for medical specialization: the roles of perceived benefits, barriers, and facilitating conditions

Specialized medical care is crucial for addressing the increasing prevalence of chronic and non-communicable diseases in Malaysia. However, there is still a shortage of medical specialists, which remains a challenge to be solved if medical officers lack the motivation to pursue a specialization. This lack of motivation is influenced by various contextual factors. This study applies the London’s Career Motivation Theory to investigate the interplay between perceived benefits, perceived barriers, facilitating conditions, and career motivation for specialization among medical officers. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling was used within a quantitative approach to examine the proposed hypotheses. Data were collected from medical officers in healthcare clinics and hospitals across various states, and 309 valid responses were obtained. The findings reveal a positive association between perceived benefits and career motivation, while perceived barriers correlate negatively with career motivation. Additionally, facilitative conditions moderate the relationship between perceived barriers and career motivation for specialization. These results hold significant implications for healthcare organizations and policymakers.