Effect of Extrinsic Motivation on Health Workers’ Job Satisfaction in County Governments in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of extrinsic motivation on health workers’ job satisfaction in county governments in Kenya. Specific objectives were to establish the effect of basic pay, physical working conditions, relationship with peers and workplace policies on health workers’ job satisfaction in county governments in Kenya. Four theories were anchored in the study: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, McGregor's theory X and Y, Herzberg's two-factor theory and social exchange theory. A descriptive research survey design was adopted, a target population of 222 employees, and a sample of 69 respondents was arrived at using a stratified random sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire with closed-ended questions was used to collect primary data. Descriptive and inferential data analysis were used. The study rejected the null hypotheses that physical working conditions, relationship with peers, and workplace policies do not have a statistically significant effect on health workers’ job satisfaction in the county governments in Kenya. The study accepted the null hypothesis that basic pay does not have a statistically significant effect on health workers’ job satisfaction in county governments in Kenya. The study recommends that governments should ensure that the basic salaries for the health workers are competitive with the industry and those offered by the national government and referral and teaching hospitals. Health workers should be facilitated with the necessary tools of work and an enhanced working environment. Continued improvement in workers’ relationships at the workplace. Hospitals establish well-conducive working environments, detailing the need to balance between work and personal life of health workers.