Examining the effects of understaffing on employee performance at the forensic pathology division, Namibia police force
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Date
2022
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The study sought to examine the effects of understaffing on employee performance at the Forensic Pathology Division of the Namibia Police Force. The main objectives of the study were to find out the effects understaffing has on employee performance, the factors that lead to understaffing and the effects of staff shortage on employee workload at the Forensic Pathology Department. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches in which the questionnaires and interviews were the main data collection instruments. One hundred and three questionnaires were administered in the Police Department in Oshakati. Probability sampling and non-probability sampling methods were employed to select the participants from the sample frame. The data was analysed using SPSS which assist in data presentation. Content analysis method was used to gain better understanding of qualitative data from interviews. The study revealed that excessive workload, lack of incentives at the mortuary, poor working conditions and lack of understanding on the essence of working at the mortuary as well as lack of opportunities for growth and advancement were amongst the key reasons why staff shunned the Forensic Pathology Division leading to understaffing. The study further concluded that understaffing had an effect on employee performance in terms of
the hectic working environment which increased staff dissatisfaction and decreased staff morale leading to poor performance. It was also concluded that understaffing leads to work overload that leads to further abandonment of other tasks resulting in poor performance. The study recommended that the Forensic Pathology Division should find ways of improving remuneration and compensation schemes for employees in an endeavour to minimise labour turnover. The Division should recognise excellent work and institute various motivation and retention strategies which make staff fulfilled while attracting new members to join the division.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (Management Strategy)
Keywords
Employee performance, Namibia Police Force, Forensic pathology