Employee Engagement and Job Performance among Academic Staff in Public Universities in Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out the relationship between employee engagement and job performance among university academic staff. The study, conducted at Makerere University, was guided by questions on the levels of engagement and performance among academic staff. A null hypothesis on the significance of employee engagement and job performance was also stated for investigation. The population of the study was comprised of 485 academic staff from10 different schools. A sample of 136 respondents was reached using a selfadministered questionnaire containing closed-ended items along a Likert scale as well as open-ended questions. Analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 by way of sums, means, frequencies, percentages and a bivariate, Pearson correlation coefficient. The findings, based on percentages and in agreement with statements, revealed that both employee engagement and job performance levels were high. There was a positive significant relationship between employee engagement and job performance (r=.391, p<0.05). The null hypothesis was rejected, meaning that engagement levels impact on performance. The recommendations, basing on the findings, focused on central and section managers developing strategies to heighten engagement levels in order to improve performance. This includes timely disbursement of financial and non-financial rewards, involvement of staff in decision, proper management of performance with reference to acceptable, barrier-free and well-scheduled appraisals as well as the provision of a conducive working environment.