The Relationship Between Attitudes Toward Privatization and Job Security Among Employees in Saudi Government Sectors

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between attitudes toward privatization and job security among employees in Saudi government sectors targeted by the privatization program. Methods: A descriptive, correlational, and comparative approach was employed, involving a sample of 469 employees from government sectors undergoing privatization. Two scales were used: a researcher-developed scale to assess attitudes toward privatization, and De Witte’s Job Insecurity Scale (2000; 2005), translated and adapted by the researcher, to measure job security. Results: The findings revealed a positive correlation between attitudes toward privatization and job security. No significant differences were observed between men and women regarding attitudes toward privatization or job security. Similarly, no differences were found based on demographic factors such as age, experience, or education, except that younger employees exhibited more favorable attitudes toward privatization. Conclusions: Positive attitudes toward privatization were associated with greater perceptions of job security among government employees. Additionally, younger employees demonstrated higher favorability toward privatization. Other demographic variables showed no significant impact on job security or attitudes toward privatization.