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

Yıl 2017, Cilt: 9 Sayı: 1, 113 - 130, 01.02.2017

Charity Dhliwayo Chengedzai Mafini

Öz

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.

Anahtar Kelimeler

Municipal health professionals, Employee motivation, Retention strategies