Original Research

Does age affect job and organisational engagement and employee performance in Zimbabwe’s health sector?

Nyengeterai Makumbe, Nhamo Mashavira, Munyaradzi Chikove, Frank R. Matenda, Mabutho Sibanda
SA Journal of Human Resource Management | Vol 23 | a2863 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhrm.v23i0.2863 | © 2025 Nyengeterai Makumbe, Nhamo Mashavira, Munyaradzi Chikove, Frank R. Matenda, Mabutho Sibanda | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 15 October 2024 | Published: 26 February 2025

About the author(s)

Nyengeterai Makumbe, Department of Human Resources Management, Julius Nyerere School of Social Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Nhamo Mashavira, Department of Human Resources Management, Julius Nyerere School of Social Sciences, Great Zimbabwe University, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
Munyaradzi Chikove, Department of Human Capital Development, Faculty of Commerce, Lupane State University, Lupane, Zimbabwe
Frank R. Matenda, School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Mabutho Sibanda, School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: The ageing healthcare workforce has been an issue of concern in the health sector over the recent years. This unique demographic challenge poses numerous challenges like knowledge loss and possible skill shortages.

Research purpose: This analysis seeks to examine the association between job engagement (JE), organisational engagement (OE) and employee performance (EP) of healthcare workers in Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe. Further, it assesses the moderating role of age on the association between JE and EP and OE and EP.

Motivation for the study: There is restricted research on the relationship between JE, OE and EP, as well as on the moderating role of age on the association between JE and EP and OE and EP of healthcare workers.

Research approach/design and method: The study’s approach is quantitative. Employing the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale-17, Job and Organisation Scales and Individual Work Performance Questionnaire, the data were collected from 235 healthcare workers. Structural equation modelling was implemented to examine the relationships of interest.

Main findings: Job engagement positively impacts OE, and JE positively influences EP. The positive impact of OE on EP is insignificant. Age has an insignificant moderating effect on the relationship between JE and EP and OE and EP.

Practical/managerial implications: Healthcare institutions and policymakers should enforce robust intervention strategies that support JE, OE and EP.

Contribution/value-add: This research immensely contributes to the existing literature on the relationship between JE, OE and EP.


Keywords

age; job engagement; organisational engagement; employee performance; structural equation modelling; Zimbabwe; health sector.

JEL Codes

M12: Personnel Management • Executives; Executive Compensation

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

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