Benue State University, Makurdi

STRUCTURAL EMPOWERMENT AND EMPLOYEE COMMITMENT IN NIGERIAN HEALTH SECTOR: A STUDY OF TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA

John Emakwu, Ph.D, Philip Dewua, Ph.D, Emmanuel Lubem Asenge, Austin Ogaga Ida and Richard Sunday Ejoha

Abstract

This study examines the effect of structural empowerment on employee commitment in Nigerian health sector. The study focused on three tertiary hospitals in North-Central, Nigeria including University Teaching Hospital Jos, Plateau State, National Hospital, Abuja and Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. The study specifically investigates the effect of access to opportunity, information, resources and support on employee commitment in Nigerian health sector. Four research hypotheses were formulated in line with objectives of the study. The study adopted a survey design and primary data were collected through self-administered questionnaire. The population of the study includes 1,568 registered doctors, nurses, pharmacists, paramedical and administrative staff of the hospitals. A sample of 319 was used for the study. A pilot test was conducted and Cronbach’s Alpha was used to test the reliability of the instrument. Mean and standard deviation were used toanswer the research questions. Multiple regression analysis was used for test of formulated hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 23). Results indicated positive significant effect of structural dimension variables (access to opportunity, information, resources and support) on employee commitment in Nigerian health sector. The study concludes that structural empowerment enables employees to be involved in decision making in the organization thereby improving employee commitment. The study recommends amongst others that managers and supervisors in hospitals should always communicate clear goals and common aims of the organization to employees. Management of hospitals should always provide feedback to employees to help build their commitment.

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