Managerial role in enhancing employee motivation in public health care

Abstract

Engulfed by numerous setbacks pronounced by huge manpower crises, work overload and poor working conditions, public sector employees find it increasingly difficult to ensure a more patient-focused, results-driven and sustainable health care system. Whilst extrinsic rewards are almost non-existent, managers in public health care can play a pivotal role in enhancing employee motivation through intrinsic factors. This study aims to assess managerial characteristics for public health care (management of attention, meaning, self, trust, risk, feelings) and employee motivation (achievement, power, affiliation) and, the relationships between these. A sample of 338 employees (stratified random sampling) and 18 managers (consensus sampling) were drawn. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Based on the results, the study provides guidance for enhancing employee motivation and consequently, service delivery in public health care.