JOB DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON EMPLOYEE WELLBEING: A SURVEY OF DISTRICT HOSPITALS IN KITUI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research project was to find out the effects of job design characteristics on health workers wellbeing. The study sought to establish if there was any relationship between the job design characteristics selected and the wellbeing of employees in the health sector in Kenya. The independent variables were job skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy and feedback. The dependent variable was employee wellbeing.

 The Republic of Kenya was recently faced by strikes of the employees in the health sector. In 2011, doctors went on strike complaining of poor remuneration, poor working conditions and lack of equipment. The lower cadre employees went on strike complaining of same issues. It was not clear how such issues really affected their wellbeing

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of job design characteristics on health workers’ wellbeing in District hospitals in Kenya. The study used descriptive survey design targeting health care workers in two district (level 4) and seven sub district hospitals (level 3) in Kitui County. A stratified sampling technique was used to gather data from the hospital administrators, heads of departments and the   lower cadre employees. A sample size of 150 employees out of a total of 210 workers was used. Data was collected by use of self administered questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. This study observed that a third of all health workers felt that duties were not delegated and allocated according to their skills. Many workers were not satisfied with duties allocation and their capacity was underutilized.  Majority of health care workers were frustrated by failure to practice their skills while others did what they were not trained for and registered dissatisfaction with their working hours. They found their work too much for their position and were underpaid. Although majority said there was room for advancement in their career, 45% were frustrated by lack of advancement and 36% had no autonomy in decision making. Half of the respondents were depressed by lack of delegation, stressed at the end of the day and 29% felt threatened and insecure.  Many found their work strenuous and stressful. Feedback was provided to all respondents equally but 69.1% did not find their quality of work life fulfilling.

The study concluded that many health workers were frustrated by failure to practice and utilize their skills. The tasks assigned were depressive, strenuous and stressful. Task significance indicated drained energies, limited time to socialize and poor work life fulfillment. Although majority of health workers had autonomy and were consulted in decision making, a few reported mistreatment and poor relationships at work. Overwhelming majority of health workers reported underpayment, lack of career advancement and others felt threatened and insecure. The feedback provided did not meet the psychological rewards desired of achievement and responsibility. There is no doubt that job design characteristics really affect health workers wellbeing. Personal health, social life and the quality of work life were greatly affected.

Following the results of the study it was recommended to consider health workers skills and competencies when allocating duties. Job description for all positions should be stipulated and communicated before deployment. Stress management strategies should be incorporated in the health sector. There was need to improve the work environment through staffing, provision of equipment and social welfare. Capacity building in management skills for those in management positions be facilitated and actively involve health workers in decision making especially in matters that concern duty allocation and staff welfare. Feedback should be enhanced through promotions, career advancement and better remuneration in relation to prevailing market rates. Autonomy and decision making required enhancement through employee empowerment.

Key Words: Job Design, Health Sector, Duties Allocation, Career Advancement, Stress Management Strategies.