Factors leading to employee turnover in Tanzania public sector organisations: A case of Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, Dar es Salaam

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the factors leading to employees’ turnover in Tanzania Public Sector Organisations (PSOs). Specifically, the study assessed factors leading to employee turnover in Public Sector Organisations. The study was conducted at the Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute (TAFIRI-Dar es Salaam) which is a research institute constituting the public sector organisations under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. A case study design was employed for a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena. Data collection was through a questionnaire and interview guide which involved 35 respondents who were randomly and purposively selected. The analysis of data from the questionnaire was done descriptively through Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) where frequencies and percentages were created and presented through tables while the analysis of data from the interview was done through content analysis. The study was guided by 3 theories: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Existence, Relatedness, and Growth (ERG) Theory, and Herzberg’s Two-factor Theory. The study revealed low salaries and benefits, poor leadership and supervision, limited opportunities for training and development, late promotion and re-categorization, shortage of working tools and infrastructure, job dissatisfaction and seeking for better jobs, lack of incentives scheme, and late or absence of payments and other monetary rewards, constitute the factors leading to employees’ turnover in PSOs. In light of the findings, the study recommended the management of PSOs in Tanzania particularly TAFIRI to formulate and implement strategies aimed at improving the work environment. This study has confirmed what other studies have depicted regarding the factors leading to staff turnover and at the same time this study will help policymakers particularly in public organizations to make sure that they create policies that promote employee welfare and hence reduce turnover.