The Relationship Between Trade Union Membership and Job Commitment Among Nurses in Vihiga County, Kenya

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between trade union membership and job commitment among nurses in Vihiga County, Kenya. The research design was a descriptive survey. The sample of 120 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling technique. The study used primary data and secondary data. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire which was semi-structured comprising both open and close ended questions. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of percentages means, standard deviations and frequencies. Linear regression technique was used to establish the strength of the relationship between trade union membership and job commitment. Based on the findings, it was found that all nurses know that job commitment affect employee performance. Some of the issues affecting job commitment include poor remunerations, staff shortage, work environment and loyalty of management to nurses. Employees felt that by joining trade unions issues affecting job commitment could be articulated on their behalf by their union leaders as they concentrate on their work .Unions have pushed management of hospitals to a moderate extent improve job security, working conditions, achieve work life balance and to a less extent improved management loyalty to employees.. Nurses agree that trade unions play a significant role in bringing harmony, cooperation; peace and understanding whenever the management and employees disputes reach a deadlock .The research reveal that there is a strong positive correlation between trade union membership and job commitment among nurses in Vihiga county Kenya. The respondents however cited shortcomings in the inability by the hospital management to address issues on remuneration, labor turnover, under staffing, work life balance and loyalty of management to employees.