An assessment of the impact of organizational restructuring on employee’s performance: A case study of the University of Namibia

Abstract

The purpose of carrying out this study was to assess the impact of organizational restructuring on employees’ performance at the University of Namibia with a main objective to investigate whether and how organizational restructuring affected the performance of employees. The study adopted Positivism philosophy. The quantitative research approach was adopted for the study. The study adopted descriptive research design. The targeted population for this study was employees of UNAM from all its 12 campuses whose total was 2530. The study deployed stratified sampling technique to give each campus, department and faculty an equal chance of being selected in the study. This technique was also used to make sure both academic and supportive staffs (non academic staff) were fully represented in the study. The sample size of the study was 327 as was achieved using sampling formula. Primary data was collected by questionnaires through online survey. Data analysis was carried out using Microsoft excel leveraging its features to process and interpret the collected data effectively by means of charts, graphs and finding the mean and standard deviations. The study highlighted the importance of involving employees in job design, providing adequate support, maintaining clear communication, and addressing workload and satisfaction concerns to foster a positive work environment and enhance performance. The findings emphasized the need for improved communication and support strategies during restructuring to enhance employee understanding, engagement, and acceptance of change initiatives. The study recommended that UNAM can improve employee commitment by implementing motivational practices. It was further recommended that UNAM can revise its Talent Management Policy to reduce employee turnover, engage employees in designing their job descriptions and improve training and development programs tailored to employees needs to help them adapt to changes brought by restructuring. The study highlighted that organizational restructuring should be approached with careful consideration of its impact on employees and operations, prioritizing transparent communication, employee involvement, and supportive environments to achieve successful outcomes and maintain a motivated workforce.