Job Satisfaction: A Catalyst for Productivity and Organizational Growth in Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/jbsm.4042Keywords:
Job Satisfaction, Productivity, Organizational Growth, Meta-Analysis, Africa, Employee PerformanceAbstract
Purpose: This study examines job satisfaction as a catalyst for productivity and organizational growth in Africa through a systematic meta-analysis of 60 empirical studies published between 1995 and 2025. It synthesizes evidence across countries, sectors, and organizational settings to clarify the satisfaction–performance–growth nexus in Africa.
Methodology: A PRISMA-guided search was used to identify relevant empirical studies from major academic databases and African research sources. Studies were screened against explicit inclusion criteria, coded for methodological and contextual characteristics, and synthesized using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was examined through Q and I² statistics, while potential publication bias was assessed using funnel-plot inspection and Egger’s regression test.
Findings: The pooled association was r = 0.32 (95% CI: 0.29–0.35), indicating a moderate positive relationship between job satisfaction and organizational outcomes. Effects were stronger in education (r = 0.41) and healthcare (r = 0.39) than in manufacturing (r = 0.27) and public administration (r = 0.24). Regionally, West Africa showed the strongest relationship (r = 0.36), followed by Southern Africa (r = 0.31) and East Africa (r = 0.26). Publication-bias tests suggested limited distortion.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study extends the happy worker–productive worker perspective by showing that sectoral and regional conditions shape how satisfaction translates into performance and growth. It also highlights fair compensation, supportive management, employee voice, career development, and meaningful work as practical routes through which organizations can strengthen resilience, retention, innovation, and competitiveness.
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