A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Master of Public Administration (MPA) of
Mzumbe University
This study investigated factors causing employee retention in DAWASCO as the study case. The objectives of the study included: to determine policies fostering employee retention at DAWASCO; to explore practices fostering employee retention at DAWASCO; and to uncover challenges hindering employee retention at DAWASCO.
The study employed a descriptive research design and used a sample size of 60 respondents selected from the population at DAWASCO through convenient sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with DAWASCO employees.
The study found out that employee retention at DAWASCO is high and has been influenced by its Human Resource policies. This is because of the policies and practices that are highly motivational with prospects towards career growth and development. The study also revealed that use of good communication and level of interaction between DAWASCO management with employees where views and contributions of employee are positively considered in corporation, decision making that improve labour relation and sense of belonging. Also, the study revealed that DAWASCO has a mechanism of preventing discriminatory practices at work place where all employees at work place are treated equally regardless of their sex, age, status and this improve retention. In addition, the study found that management practice of employee recognition and appreciation programme is provided at DAWASCO in the course of employee outstanding performance in work such as reward for monthly best performer. This mechanism influenced and motivated employee’s retention in work and long service. Furthermore, the study found that there were limited employment opportunities in water sector profession and employees with such skills tend to stay for long at DAWASCO. Despite that, having high retention has some challenges. These include: Salary dissatisfaction and persisting competition in labour market. The study revealed that one of key successes in DAWASCO performance in Water Sector industry is employee retention since every organisation needs to have well experienced employees to fulfill various organisational operation requirement so as to compete with labour market.