An evaluation of factors influencing employee organizational commitment in the non-governmental sector in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study sought to determine the factors that influence employee organizational commitment in the non-governmental organizations in Zimbabwe. Globalization, economic challenges, political uncertainty, technological changes are some of the factors putting pressure on organizations the world over and also in Zimbabwe. The environmental challenges have brought in a difficult business environment for businesses to operate in. These challenges have also affected the level of employee commitment in the NGO sector in Zimbabwe.

The main aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence employee organizational commitment in the NGO sector in Zimbabwe. The objectives of the study were to; • To evaluate the influence of teamwork on employee organizational commitment • To investigate the influence of organizational support on employee organizational commitment • To evaluate the influence of employee empowerment on organizational commitment • To investigate the influence of employee relationships on employee organizational commitment There is a gap on the studies on factors influencing employee organizational commitment in Zimbabwe in the NGO sector hence the study. The study therefore sought to establish the factors influencing employee organizational commitment in the NGO sector in Zimbabwe. A quantitative survey approach was used on 200 employees in the NGO sector in and around Harare, selected according to simple random sampling. The response rate from a sample of 200 employees in the NGO sector was 49%. The objective of the study which was to determine the factors that influence employee organizational commitment in the NGO sector in Zimbabwe was achieved as respondents confirmed that that employee organizational commitment is affected by team work, organizational support, employee empowerment and employee relationships. The findings suggest that organizational commitment is an equally important area to management in the NGO sector as it is to profit making organizations. Employee organizational commitment is enhanced by organizational support to employees, employee empowerment, team work and by allowing an enabling environment that promotes positive employee relations. It is recommended that management develops an exchange relationship with employees that foster a positive reciprocity between the two parties. Managerial support for employees plays a vital role in employee organizational commitment. Employees should be empowered by allowing them to be innovative, creative and to perform new tasks. Team working in crucial in employee organizational commitment as it motivates employees to remain in the organization.