Effect of Employee Engagement on Job Performance Among Nurses at Ami Expeditionary in Kenya

Abstract

This study embarked on exploration of the relationship between employee engagement and job performance within the healthcare sector, spotlighting AMI Expeditionary Healthcare in Kenya. The necessitation of this research arises from the imperative to understand how employee engagement, a critical organizational aspect, influences job performance, particularly within the specialized and impactful realm of healthcare, where prior studies have primarily focused on other sectors. The main objective of the study was to determine the influence of employee engagement on job performance at AMI Expeditionary health care. The research was anchored on self-determination theory and supported by social exchange theory. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was utilized. The population of the study was the 55 nurse supervisors and registered nurses in the organization. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. All the 55 target respondents provided the required data for analysis. For data analysis, both descriptive and inferential analysis was performed. The regression analysis rendered an R Square value of .682, revealing that approximately 68.2% of the variability in job performance could be explained by employee engagement. The standardized beta coefficient was .826, indicating a strong positive impact of employee engagement on job performance, with every unit increase in employee engagement associated with a .826- unit increase in job performance. The study substantiates the hypothesis that elevated employee engagement correlates with enhanced job performance within AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, emphasizing the indispensable role of engagement in achieving organizational objectives and fostering a productive, harmonious workplace environment. The findings reinforce the relevancy of self-determination and social exchange theories, aligning with previous research and contributing nuanced insights specific to the nursing profession within the healthcare sector. Recommendations include the enhancement of organizational strategies focusing on employee engagement, such as fostering an inclusive, supportive work environment, implementing continuous professional development programs, and promoting effective communication and feedback mechanisms. For further research, the study suggested the need to encompass diverse organizational settings, employ longitudinal and experimental designs, and incorporate qualitative methods to yield more comprehensive and generalized insights into the intricate dynamics between employee engagement and job performance.