RETENTION AND MOTIVATION STRATEGIES FOR MUNICIPAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The retention of health professionals within local municipalities has become a topical issue for managers of health facilities in developing countries. This could be attributed in part, to the availability of alternative employment opportunities for health professionals in developed countries overseas. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of retention strategies on the motivation of municipal health professionals in Zimbabwe. A qualitative research approach was followed in which key informant interviews were conducted with 31 purposively selected municipal health professionals employed by the Municipality of Harare. The main research question in the study was “What factors are considered important for the retention of municipal health professionals in Zimbabwe?”. The study found that remuneration, training and continuation of education, recognition and appreciation, supervisory practices and communication are the factors considered by municipal health professionals to be important in their retention. The findings of the study may enable municipal health managers in developing countries to understand the importance of retention strategies when considering the service conditions of public health professionals.

Keywords

• Municipal health professionals, Employee motivation, Retention strategies