AN ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES IN THE KASOA NORTH SUB-DISTRICT

ABSTRACT

This study set out to assess the human resource management practices in private health facilities in the Kasoa North Sub-region. To do this, the study sought to assess the human resourcing practices in private health facilities, to assess the mechanisms of human resource training and development and to determine the employee welfare-handling processes in these private health facilities. The study area was selected due to the proliferation of healthcare facilities. The sample size, computed on the population, was made up of 57 staff and management staff purposively selected for the study. The results of the study, from analysis done with the PASW software, show that the dissemination of information about job vacancies is largely informal and usually gotten from friends. In spite of the prevalence of employee-selection for jobs being usually based on educational qualification and/or work experience, about 7.2 percent of respondents said that it was sometimes based on family background. This poses a problem of nepotism that can very easily lead to the appointment of less qualified people for jobs. Also, even though a high proportion of employees said that their employers conduct employee-training, the regularity of it is wholly inadequate. The most significant factors that contribute to this are financial and time constraints. Employees also posited that the opportunities for further studies are seldom existent. This has taken a toll on employee-commitment. Only 37.7 percent of employees were satisfied with the efforts of their employers to ensure employee-welfare. The study recommends that the process of information-dissemination of available job openings should be done more effectively, exploring other effective and more equitable methods. There should also be an increase in the volume and frequency of employee appraisals, orientation and training. Arrangements should be put in place to collect monthly dues for welfare purposes.There should be regular performance appraisals leading to promotions and awards.