Factors associated with the goal commitment of radiography departments' staff in organizational change

Abstract 

Purpose

The aim of the study is to examine factors associated with the goal commitment of radiography departments' staff. The associations studied are (1) organizational change, (2) work-related factors, (3) psychosocial work environment, and (4) intention to leave.

Method

The follow-up study was performed between 2005 and 2007 in co-operation with 10 radiography departments of two Finnish municipalities. In 2005 the response rate was 60% (n=97/163) and in 2007 it was 49% (n=73/150).

Results

The goal commitment had dropped during the organizational change from 3.96 in 2005 to 3.60 in 2007 (scale 1–5) (p=0.001). Best predictors for the goal commitment of radiography departments' staff were having children (OR 4.4) and perceiving functional environment clearly (OR 2.6). Correlation between the goal commitment and intention to leave of the staff was −0.32 (p=0.01).

Conclusion

From the viewpoint of the commitment of the radiography departments' staff, the trend of uniting quite independent health care units into larger entities seems not to be beneficial. This study reveals that commitment to one's work unit is most of all a question of stability and job security. This is a fact the leadership of the radiography departments should take into account, appreciate and support to assure the tenure and productivity of their workforce.

Keywords: Goal commitment, Intention to leave, Organizational change, Psychosocial work environment, Staff