How Dimensions of Participatory Decision Making Influence Employee Performance in the Health Sector: A Developing Economy Perspective

Abstract

Participatory decision-making (PDM) in an organisation is critical to employees' performance. Stemming from goal-setting theory, this research examines the dimensions of participatory decision-making and employee performance in the health sector from a developing economy's perspective. The study employed an explanatory research design rooted in a positivist philosophical orientation and 460 employees were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Primary data was collected using a validated questionnaire and analysed using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling. Overall, the study revealed that participatory decision-making significantly relates to the performance of health workers. Specifically, both the depth and scope of participatory decision-making are significantly related to employee performance in the health sector. However, there was a non-significant relationship between forms of participatory decision-making and health workers' performance. The study concluded that the depth and scope of participatory decision-making are very necessary for enhancing employee performance in the health sector. The findings alerted the management of health facilities to encourage participatory decision-making among nurses at the various health facilities. Management should consider the level at which employees are engaged in the decision-making process.