THE ROLE OF DIRECT FINANCIAL REWARDS ON EMPLOYEE JOB SATIS-FACTION AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN UP-PER EASTERN REGION, KENYA

Abstract

Managers are concerned about human resource management outcomes such as job satisfac-tion, which is affected by direct financial rewards. The purpose of this study was to deter-mine the influence of direct financial rewards on employee job satisfaction among healthcare workers in level-five public hospitals in the upper eastern region of Kenya. The hypothesis of the study was derived from the objective. The study was guided by a cross-sectional descriptive survey design and was anchored on the incentives theory and equity theory. The population consisted of 1389 healthcare workers in level five public hospitals in the upper eastern region from whom a sample of 301 was drawn. The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire ad-ministered through the drop-and-pick later method. Descriptive statistics were used to sum-marize the data into means and standard deviations. Inferential statistics employed correla-tion and regression analysis to test hypotheses and draw conclusions. A pilot study was car-ried out amongst 10 respondents from kerugoya level-five hospitals in kirinyaga county, Kenya. The data was presented using tables, charts, and graphs. Reliability was established by the use of Cronbachs' Alpha coefficient. The study's findings established that direct fi-nancial rewards had a significantly positive influence on employee job satisfaction. The finding of the study offer insight to HR managers, scholars, and practitioners\ on the situa-tional positioning of direct financial rewards. The findings further contribute to theory, poli-cy development, and HRM practices. The research had a few limitations; the selection of the study variables was not exhaustive as it did not cover the role of nonfinancial rewards on job satisfaction. Future research should address these limitations by including additional varia-bles, and also using a longitudinal research.