Table 4.

Differences in mean results ( t -test) on staff satisfaction questionnaire (0–10 scale) between the group of organisations with Q certification (Silver or Gold) and those without certification, per cycle and dimension

Dimensions	Differences in mean value on staff satisfaction
	(standard deviation)
	2001-2003	2004-2006	2007-2008	2009-2010
Internal communication	0.39 (0.35)	0.74 (0.18)	0.40 (0.16)	0.27 (0.14)
Training and professional development	0.35*	0.63 (0.12)	0.33 (0.17)	0.28 (0.15)
Policy and strategy	0.43 (0.44)	0.68 (0.19)	0.31 (0.20)	0.31 (0.17)
Leadership and management style in the unit/service	0.28 (0.27)	0.71 (0.13)	0.28 (0.16)	0.18 (0.12)
Technical and material resources	0.60*	0.39 (0.18)	0.14 (0.18)	0.34*
Health and safety at work	0.32 (0.29)	0.61 (0.20)	0.14 (0.17)	0.03 (0.15)
Working conditions	0.05 (0.34)	0.29 (0.18)	0.25 (0.17)	0.19 (0.13)
Working environment	0.05 (0.21)	0.27 (0.18)	0.20 (0.15)	0.14 (0.09)
Pay	-0.09 (0.29)	0.45*	0.25 (0.18)	0.12 (0.13)

*For this dimension and cycle, the non parametric Kruskal – Wallis test was used instead of the t-test, because the normality assumption was violated.

Mean values in bold are those with p < 0.05.