THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND SECURED WORKING ENVIRONMENT ON JOB SATISFACTION IN THE LEBANESE SMALL BUSINESS CONTEXT: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF TRUST

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the impact of social working environment and secured working environment on job satisfaction in Lebanese SMEs, with a particular focus on the mediating effect of job satisfaction   Theoretical Framework: A secure working environment is an essential aspect of the workplace that contributes to employee job satisfaction. A secure working environment is free from threats and hazards, and employees feel safe and secure while working. A secure working environment is vital in enhancing job satisfaction among employees.   Design/Methodology/Approach: The study utilized a sample of 350 respondents working in SMEs in Lebanon and employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the hypothesized relationships between the variables   Findings: The findings of this study revealed that both social working environment and secured working environment had a significant positive impact on job satisfaction. Specifically, a supportive and friendly social working environment and a secured working environment were found to be associated with higher levels of job satisfaction among employees. Furthermore, the study also found that job satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between social working environment and job satisfaction, as well as the relationship between secured working environment and job satisfaction.   Research, Practical & Social Implications: This suggests that job satisfaction plays a crucial role in explaining the relationship between these variables. These findings have important implications for SMEs in Lebanon and other contexts. For example, employers should prioritize creating a social working environment that fosters teamwork, collaboration, and positive relationships among employees, as well as a secured working environment that prioritizes safety and security. These factors can significantly contribute to employee job satisfaction and overall well-being.   Originality/Value: This research is original and unique and it contributes to the field of Lebanon.