Role of Biographical Characteristics and Employee Engagement on State Hospital Employees' Commitment

There is a concern regarding employees' engagement and commitment in state and private hospitals in South Africa. State hospitals are experiencing a large volume of patients because of reduced payment compared to what private hospitals charge. The large volume of patients threatens the commitment and engagement of professionals in healthcare system. A sample (N=222) was drawn from permanently employed employee in a state hospital. These measuring instruments were administered together with the biographical questionnaire (years of service, age, gender, educational and job levels), the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), and Organisational Commitment Scale (OCS). Data was analysed using multiple regression to predict the relationship between biographic characteristics, employee engagement and commitment. Results indicate that years of service, age and gender are positively related to employee engagement and commitment. These findings will assist human resources practitioners, leaders and managers when drawing retention strategies.