Factors Leading to Employee Turnover in Tanzania Public Sector Organisations: A Case of Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, Dar es Salaam

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the factors leading to employees’ turnoverin Tanzania Public Sector Organisations (PSOs). Specifically, the study assessedfactors leading to employee turnover in Public Sector Organisations. The studywas conducted at the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI-Dar esSalaam) which is a research institute constituting the public sector organisationsunder the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. A case study design was employedfor a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena. Data collection wasthrough a questionnaire and interview guide which involved 35 respondents whowere randomly and purposively selected. The analysis of data from thequestionnaire was done descriptively through Statistical Package for SocialScience (SPSS) where frequencies and percentages were created and presentedthrough tables while the analysis of data from the interview was done throughcontent analysis. The study was guided by 3 theories: Maslow’s Hierarchy ofNeeds, Existence, Relatedness, and Growth (ERG) Theory, and Herzberg’s Twofactor Theory. The study revealed low salaries and benefits, poor leadership andsupervision, limited opportunities for training and development, late promotionand re-categorization, shortage of working tools and infrastructure, jobdissatisfaction and seeking for better jobs, lack of incentives scheme, and late orabsence of payments and other monetary rewards, constitute the factors leadingto employees’ turnover in PSOs. In light of the findings, the study recommendedthe management of PSOs in Tanzania particularly TAFIRI to formulate andimplement strategies aimed at improving the work environment. This study hasconfirmed what other studies have depicted regarding the factors leading to staffturnover and at the same time this study will help policymakers particularly inpublic organizations to make sure that they create policies that promoteemployee welfare and hence reduce turnover