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Organizational Structure and Employee Job Performance in Private Hospitals in Port Harcourt, Nigeria: The Moderating Role of Technology-In-Use

Nde, Martin Alphonsus, Nde, Iniobong Martin

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between organizational structure and employee job performance in private hospitals in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, with technology-in-use investigated as a moderating variable. Specifically, the study sought to determine the relationship between organizational structure and employee job performance and to examine whether technology-in- use moderates this relationship. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design within a correlational framework. The population comprised 7,920 health workers and administrative staff drawn from 264 private hospitals in Port Harcourt. Using purposive sampling, respondents were selected from 38 hospitals that had operated for at least fifteen years. Yamane's formula was applied to derive a sample size of 380 respondents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire validated by experts, while reliability was established using Cronbach's Alpha coefficients above the acceptable threshold of 0.70. The data were analysed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Moderated Regression Analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between organizational structure and employee job performance (r = .511, p < .001), indicating that well-designed organizational structures enhance employee performance in private hospitals. The study further established that technology-in-use significantly moderates this relationship (b = .026, SE = .009, t = 3.04, p = .003), demonstrating that the positive effect of organizational structure on employee job performance becomes stronger as the level of technology utilization increases. The study concluded that organizational structure is a critical determinant of employee job performance and that effective deployment of technology strengthens its impact. The study therefore recommends that private hospital management should establish clear reporting lines, defined responsibilities, and standardized work procedures to improve employee performance. It further recommends increased investment in digital technologies through the adoption of reliable hospital information systems, regular digital skills training for employees, and adequate technological infrastructure to enhance the effectiveness of organizational structures and improve employee job performance.

Keywords

Organizational structure; Employee job performance; Technology-in-use; Private hospitals.

References

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