A longitudinal study of employee satisfaction during the process of transformation in a water utility organization.

Abstract

Longitudinal studies are valuable to organizations faced with the process of transformation because they provide an opportunity to determine the impact of change interventions in an organization. Changes in employees’ behavior and attitudes can be observed over an extended period of time. The main purpose of this study is to conduct a longitudinal study of employee satisfaction during organizational transformation over a period of three years. The variable employee satisfaction is measured using the employee satisfaction survey (ESS). Descriptive and inferential statistics are conducted to analyze the data collected from the three convenient sample sizes of N = 1140 (Year 1), N = 920 (Year 2) and N = 759 (Year 3). The results of this study indicate that there are significant positive changes and differences between the three samples regarding the areas of employee dissatisfaction and satisfaction, resulting from the process of organizational transformation. Recommendations are made on how managers can use longitudinal studies to conduct employee satisfaction audits during organizational transformation, in order to determine, monitor and compare the observed changes. As a result, organizations will be able to leverage on their areas of strength and to initiate relevant interventions for their developmental areas.