Work-related sense of coherence, job satisfaction and job embeddedness in an engineering and construction organisation in Africa

Abstract

The overarching aim of this research study was to determine the nature of the relationship between Work-related Sense of Coherence (Work-SoC) and job satisfaction and job embeddedness and whether Work-SoC can predict job satisfaction and job embeddedness, to inform the development of retention strategies of high-in-demand employees within an engineering and construction organisation in Africa. A biographical questionnaire, the Work-SoC Scale, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) short form, and the Job Embeddedness Scale (JES), were utilised to collect data from 209 high-in-demand employees in an engineering and construction organisation in Africa. The results suggested a significant and positive relationship of practical effect between Work-SoC and job satisfaction and job embeddedness and that Work-SoC can positively and significantly predict both job satisfaction and job embeddedness. The study has added to the body of knowledge in IOP and related fields regarding the relationships between Work-SoC, job satisfaction and job embeddedness. These results may also be utilised to inform employee retention strategies that focus on creating a more comprehensible, meaningful and manageable work environment, leading to increasing levels of job satisfaction and job embeddedness and therefore, greater employee retention.