Impact of reward strategies on employee motivation in the health sector: A case of Gutu district in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This research investigated the impact of reward strategies on employee motivation in the health sector. The case study for the research composed of health care workers in Gutu District. The objectives of this study were to ascertain the effect of reward strategies on the motivation of hospital and clinical staff perforance in Gutu District, ascertain the reward strategies currently being effected on health staff in Gutu district, to evaluate the impact of reward strategies on the motivation of hospital and clinical staff in Gutu district, to explore any challenges faced during the implementation of the current reward strategies and to determine how the reward strategies are formulated for hospital and clinical staff in Gutu district. Major research questions answered by this study were (1) Which are the reward strategies currently being effected on hospital and clinical staff in Gutu district hospitals and rural health facilities? (2) What is the impact of the reward strategies on the motivation of hospital and clinical staff in Gutu district? (3) What are the challenges being faced by the employer in the implementation of the reward strategies? (4) What challenges are being faced by the employee when the reward strategies are being implemented? (5) How are the reward strategies formulated for hospital and clinic staff in Gutu District? Theories that guided the research were content and cognitive based. This study intended to garner facts on the various reward systems and how they affect their work as well as gathering expert opinion over the issue of government reward system hence a mixed research design was adopted. Following the mixed research design, both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques were employed. The techniques included structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with key informants. Findings from the research indicated that reward strategies have an impact on the motivation of the health sector employees. As a result of the current economic situation, the value of the salaries was continuously being eroded and thereby causing a strain on the employees and ultimately reducing their levels of motivation. Respondents argued that there was no set system in place which allowed them to send feedback to their employer or even to the reward strategists who set up the remunerations. Respondents also pointed out that their employer has been ridiculed as one of the most unpaying employer in the country which is not good for their organizational culture and reputation to attract the best employees. Given the above findings, this research recommends government to implement a framework across all the other districts in the country so as to ensure improved health care delivery service to beneficiaries. The government should also offer non-financial rewards so as to pave way for self-actualization and professional development