The relationship between employee motivation, engagement practices, organizational
productivity, and employee performance was paramount for optimizing organizational
effectiveness. Bonenberger et al. (2014) noted that when health workers were motivated and
satisfied, they operated within their comfort zones, thereby adhering to standards, and
delivering high-quality healthcare. This led to improved competencies, opportunities, and
stronger relationships among health workers, colleagues, and local communities. This study
investigated the impact of employee motivation and engagement practices at Mwanza District
Hospital Laboratory on organizational outcomes.
Study Overview
Through a descriptive research design, primary data was collected via a survey questionnaire
distributed to employees. The study aimed to uncover distinct employee profiles, identify
underlying factors influencing organizational outcomes, and explore contextual factors
shaping the effectiveness of motivation and engagement initiatives. This research contributed
to the existing literature by offering new insights and actionable recommendations for
enhancing organizational effectiveness in healthcare settings.
Key Findings
1. Mean Scores Analysis:
• Skill Utilization and Learning Opportunities: Employees reported high mean scores in
areas related to skill utilization, feeling valued as team members, and having
opportunities to learn new skills. This indicated strong intrinsic motivation among
employees, aligning with Herzberg’s motivator factors. The highest mean scores were
observed in questions related to learning opportunities, team value, and positive
relationships with colleagues. Humphrey et al. (2007) and Noe, Clarke, and Klein
(2014) supported the significance of skill utilization and continuous learning in
enhancing job satisfaction and motivation.
• Team Value and Relationships: Feeling valued as a team member and having positive
relationships were crucial for motivation and engagement. Kahn (2010) and Bakker
and Demerouti (2014) emphasized the importance of feeling valued and having
supportive relationships at work, contributing to psychological conditions essential for
employee engagement and job resources that reduce burnout.2. Variability in Responses:
• The analysis of standard deviation and variance revealed significant variability in
responses regarding satisfaction with training and development opportunities, and
recognition for contributions. This suggested inconsistent experiences among
employees in these areas, highlighting them as potential targets for improvement.
Mone and London (2018) and Shields et al. (2020) indicated that variability in these
areas could impact overall organizational effectiveness, with some employees feeling
adequately supported and recognized while others did not.
3. Group Comparisons by Gender and Job Role:
• Gender: The comparison by gender showed minimal differences, indicating uniform
perceptions of motivation and engagement across male and female employees.
Kuvaas et al. (2016) suggested that gender did not significantly influence employees'
views on motivation and engagement within the laboratory setting.
• Job Role: Job role comparisons revealed that laboratory managers and technologists
reported higher mean scores compared to technicians. This indicated potential
disparities in job satisfaction and perceived opportunities, suggesting that those in
higher-level roles experienced more intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, contributing to
greater overall satisfaction (Alfes et al., 2013; Meyer et al., 2017).
Recommendations
Based on the findings and the thematic analysis, the following recommendations were
proposed to enhance employee motivation, engagement, and overall productivity within the
laboratory department:
4. Promote Fair Treatment and Equal Opportunities:
• Fair Treatment for All Staff: Address issues related to favoritism or inequality to
improve morale and motivation. Ensuring fair treatment for all employees, regardless
of their job role, was critical.
• Equal Sharing of Opportunities: Implement policies that ensure equal access to career
advancement and skill development opportunities. Employees expected fairness in
growth opportunities, which could drive motivation and engagement.
5. Enhance Communication Channels:• Good Communication with Supervisors: Encourage and maintain open and effective
communication between employees and supervisors. Clear communication channels
fostered trust and transparency, enhancing employee engagement.
• Advance Communication on Changes: Management should provide advance notice
and explanation of changes in guidelines or procedures. Transparent communication
mitigated uncertainty and anxiety, enabling better adaptation and productivity.
6. Foster a Supportive Work Environment:
• Participating in Quality Management: Continue to involve employees in quality
management processes. This promoted a sense of ownership and pride in maintaining
high standards of work.
• Good Relationship with Colleagues and Environment: Encourage a supportive and
collaborative workplace culture. Positive relationships with colleagues and a
conducive work environment were crucial for job satisfaction and motivation.
7. Implement Transparent Promotion Processes:
• Lobby for Promotions: Advocate for transparent and fair promotion processes. Clear
criteria and equal opportunities for advancement motivated employees to strive for
excellence.
8. Address Specific Areas with High Variability:
• Satisfaction with Training and Development: Focus on improving consistency in
training and development opportunities. Ensure that all employees have access to
necessary resources and support.
• Recognition for Contributions: Develop a consistent and meaningful recognition
program to acknowledge employee contributions. Recognizing and rewarding
employees fairly could enhance motivation and engagement.
Conclusion
This study underscored the critical role of employee motivation and engagement in enhancing
organizational productivity and employee performance at Mwanza District Hospital
Laboratory. The findings indicated that while intrinsic motivators such as skill utilization,
team value, and learning opportunities were strong, there was variability in experiences
related to training, development, and recognition. Addressing these inconsistencies throughtargeted interventions could significantly improve job satisfaction and performance (Chiaburu
& Harrison, 2008; Danish & Usman, 2010).
By understanding the specific drivers of motivation and engagement among laboratory staff,
the hospital could implement strategies that fostered a more motivated and productive
workforce. This research contributed to the broader discourse on healthcare management in
low-resource settings, offering practical recommendations for policymakers and
administrators to enhance employee motivation and engagement. Ultimately, improving these
factors could lead to better healthcare outcomes and higher patient satisfaction in Malawi
(Jiang et al., 2012; McCauley & Wakefield, 2006).