Rethinking issues of migration and brain drain of health-related professionals: New perspectives

Abstract

The intention of this study was not to particularly engage issues of health worker brain drain and migration, but to reveal some of those elements which can motivate and retain health-related professionals in South Africa. Data for this study was collected with the help of Plus Delta Organisational Climate Questionnaire. This instrument was deemed fit for the study considering its previous applications and also because it contains both job satisfaction and organisational climate elements. With the help of factor analysis, the study identified seven factors which influence employee satisfaction within the health related professions of South Africa. These factors are Role Clarification and Job Design; Equitable Performance Management; Integrated Leadership and Knowledge Sharing; Self-efficacy; Family-friendly Work Environments; Leader Credibility and Innovation and Excellent Customer Relations and Technology. The paper concludes by suggesting that these factors should be present in organizations in order to stem the tide of brain drain and migration of South African health-related professionals.