The impact of work design on job satisfaction : a case study of the Electricity Stores department, eThekwini Municipality

Abstract

This study sought to examine the relationship between work design factors and job satisfaction with the eThekwini Electricity stores as the case study. The primary objective of the study was the assessment of the impact of work design factors on job satisfaction. Job satisfaction plays a crucial role in employee motivation and productivity that generally contributes to the attainment of organisational goals. Studies globally suggest that practicable work designs are associated with the enhancement of employee morale and motivation, hence increasing job satisfaction. In South Africa municipalities have come under scrutiny for buildings and offices that are derelict in appearance. Moreover, due to the deficiency of capital resources by local government, the maintenance and refurbishing of buildings, equipment and machinery are generally being neglected. Acceptable work designs are dependent on meticulous building infrastructure and appropriate machinery and equipment; hence, this study is devoted to the eThekwini Electricity stores’ environment in Durban. eThekwini Electricity has twelve (12) stores located within the Metropolitan region that holds and supplies stock for maintenance and construction purposes. The study findings are based on a sample of 65 respondents with a response rate of 92.30% for the self-administered questionnaires. As part of a mixed methods research approach, five (5) participants were also interviewed. The study’s theoretical framework is undergirded by the Work Design Questionnaire of Morgeson and Humphrey (2006) and the motivation theory by Herzberg that uses motivators as factors that seek to enhance job satisfaction, while the job characteristics model by Hackman and Oldham employs skill, variety, task variety, task significance, autonomy and feedback as factors to be incorporated into work design to enhance employee morale . The results from this study suggest work design factors such as autonomy and task variety are perceived by employees as significant contributors to job satisfaction, while work design factors job complexity, information processing and problem-solving point to an appreciable proportion of contribution toward job satisfaction, but equally does not contribute to job dissatisfaction. This study also revealed a pronounced dissatisfaction with work design factors such as ergonomics, physical demands and work conditions. The findings in this study point to arenas within eThekwini Electricity stores that can be improved upon in respect of work design. The appropriate managerial interventions ought to address the perceived deficiencies. Review of existing work methods together with appropriate training and development can be employed to address work factors such as job complexity, information processing and problem solving, while the use of appropriate technology and mechanisation ought to be used for work design factors such as ergonomics, physical demands and work conditions. Additionally, it is proposed that improved health and safety standards together with ‘green environment’ initiatives be encouraged to enhance job satisfaction outcomes with employees. The study used the Work Design Questionnaire and adapted it uniquely to suit the eThekwini Electricity Municipality stores’ environment. The approach and methodology utilised in this study could certainly be adopted in any warehousing environment, especially in a local government setting.