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