WORKING CONDITIONS AND EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH SECTOR IN UGANDA: A CASE OF WAKISO DISTRICT
Abstract

Author(s): Drileba Paul, Dr.Teopista Nalule Kyamanywa, Irene Musumba, Sr Mary Gorreti Namutebi

This paper has been written using data obtained from a study conducted by Drileba (2013). The study examined the effect of employee commitment, remuneration, physical environment, flexible working hou rs and relations of Health Workers in Wakiso District Health Units; which were located 12 kilometers to the West of Kampala Capital City at the time of the study. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design involving 215 health workers filling questionnaires to obtain quantitative data and 25 key informants were interviewed to obtain qualitative data.. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software while qualitative data was analysed using the Pragmatic Content Analysis (PCA). The findings revealed that (a) close to half 49% of respondents expressed strong dissatisfaction with their salary and 49% of Health Workers were involved in other forms of employment to make ends meet; (b) 44% of the respondents disagreed with their current work conditions being conducive for effective performance; (c) 61% of respondents confirmed that work-family balance had been achieved; and (d) 60% of respondents thought they related well with management and colleagues at work. A positive relationship was found between tasks handled on time and never absent myself, r (213) =0.559, p < .05. Similarly a positive relationship was found between tasks handled on time and producing quality work, r (213) =0.536, p < .05. A positive relationship was also found between producing quality work and ensuring no wastage, r (213) = 0.538, p < .05. It was therefore concluded that low pay and the deplorable work conditions seem to be some of the causes of Health Workers’ dissatisfaction in the health sector. The study finally recommended that the right package of financial and non-financial incentives; and conducive physical work conditions be provided to enhance employee loyalty hence commitment to serve the population where they are located. Keywords: Remuneration, physical environment, flexible working hours, employee relations and employee commitment.