The effect of occupational stress and organizational commitment on diagnostic imaging radiographers in rendering quality service

Abstract

The aim: The main aim of this study is to determine the effect of occupational stress and organizational commitment on diagnostic imaging radiographers in rendering quality service. Background: In the past two years radiography staff turnover at the public and private health organizations has increased by 45% and 50%. Increased occupational stress and burnout are some of the main reasons for staff leaving the organization. Limited studies were found on occupational stress amongst diagnostic imaging radiographers and no studies could be found on organizational commitment amongst diagnostic imaging radiographers at the time of conducting the study. The link between organization health services and patient outcomes is rarely tested empirically. Materials and method: It was a descriptive correlational study. The sample comprised 123 radiographers who completed a self-administered questionnaire. Results: There was a 97% response rate. Organization commitment was moderate towards a tendency of low. Sources of occupational stress, namely workload and role conflict were high, whilst social support and role ambiguity were low. Radiographers relied on problem-solving mechanisms to cope with stress. Therefore the level of occupational stress experienced was generally moderate, but with a slight tendency towards high. Discussion: There was a relationship between level and sources of occupational stress. No relationship was found between a low level of organizational commitment and a high level of occupational stress. A relationship was found between sources, levels of occupational stress and organizational commitment. Thus, the level of service delivery is affected by organizational commitment and occupational stress experienced by radiographers. Conclusion and recommendations: The overall context within which an organization functions has an effect on radiographers’ quality of working life and this directly impacts on the behaviour of the radiographer during a service encounter. Therefore, from an organizational perspective it is important to create a positive working environment for radiographers and to improve their quality of working life. The overall function of the organization would benefit were management to shift from an authorative to a participative style. Workload and role conflict could be reduced by having protocols in place to minimize the variation in standard of the quality of work done.