Abstract

NGWANE, Cynthia Lindiwe  and  DACHAPALLI, Leigh-Anne Paul. Investigating factors influencing employee engagement in a government department in Gauteng. JCMAN [online]. 2022, vol.19, n.2, pp.61-83. ISSN 1815-7440.  http://dx.doi.org/10.35683/jcm21048.159.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: To investigate the factors which influence employee engagement levels of government officials in Gauteng DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Utilising a questionnaire based on the Utrecht engagement model, the researcher identified key focus areas for employee engagement. The department under study consisted of 150 employees with a response rate of 79 percent FINDINGS: The results of the study revealed that while the government employees are absorbed and dedicated to their work, they nevertheless expressed neutral opinions regarding the extent of vigour shown in the department. Age and the number of years of service were noted to have a significant influence on employee engagement. The study furthermore showed no statistical evidence to suggest that gender, employee position, or educational level have a major influence on employee engagement RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE: The study underlines the need for continuing efforts to reinforce employee engagement, particularly as employees with greater experience / years of service are less engaged. In so far as the study was limited to a single department, similar studies should be undertaken at further government departments in order to generate a clear and holistic picture of overall government employee engagement levels MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: Given the regression analysis which suggests that more experienced employees are less engaged, management strategies to encourage continued and renewed engagement, rewarding the experience and service of employees, and further motivating them, is of paramount importance JEL CLASSIFICATION: D23, M12

Keywords : Employee engagement; Job involvement; Leadership; Performance; Satisfaction.

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