Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction Among Nutritionists in Nairobi County
Abstract
Organizations view employees as the principle source of improvement and the only
way for it to achieve its goals. On the basis of the premise that employees are the most
valuable asset available to an organization, health care institutions are not an
exception to the challenge of providing an enabling work environment that enhances
the satisfaction of nutritionists and one that further enhances the attraction and
retention of well trained and motivated nutritionists. In the recent past the Kenyan
health sector has been hit by mass exodus of nutritionists among other health workers
in search of better opportunities in first world countries. This raises a concern as
Kenya loses many needed personnel that it has invested in terms of training to other
nations. This study therefore sought to answer the question: what are the factors that
influence job satisfaction among nutritionists in Nairobi? The study adopted a
descriptive survey design and the population was the nutritionists in Nairobi. Data
collection was done using a self-administered semi structured questionnaire. A sample
of 50 nutritionists was identified and 42 completed questionnaires were received. Data
was analyzed using a social statistics package and presented in the form of tables and
charts. The findings of the study reveal that majority of the respondents were females
aged between 30-39 years who have attained university‟s degree level of education.
The findings show that more than half of the respondents who participated in the
study have worked in nutrition industry for more than 3 years. The study indicates
that organization policies and procedure induction has not been satisfactory. Majority
of respondent are not content with the current level of compensation and there is poor
autonomy and interpersonal relation. The study revealed that there is poor
communication both from managers to employees and from employees to managers,
no good communication among employees themselves. Majority of the nutritionists
stated they were not aware of advancement opportunities that existed in the
organization. The study concludes that organization policies and procedure,
compensation, autonomy and interpersonal relationship, communication,
advancement, work load, training and development are the main factors that influence
job satisfaction among nutritionist in Kenya. The research suggests that organization
policies and procedures need to be well communicated to employees in order to
achieve organization objectives. The study further suggests that the nutritionists ought
to be empowered to make autonomous decisions to a greater degree than is currently
observed. The research also suggests that more avenues of training ought to be sought
to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the nutritionists. The study sought to assess
the level of job satisfaction of nutritionists in Nairobi county, however there is need to
replicate this study in different counties to find out the similarities and differences in
nutrition practice across the country
Citation
Master of Business AdministrationPublisher
University of Nairobi