Decent work for sustainable economic growth in Tanzania: Achievements, challenges, and prospects — A case of Singida Municipality, Tanzania

This research paper investigates the role of decent work in promoting sustainable economic growth in Tanzania within the Singida Municipality. Stranded in the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8, which emphasizes inclusive and productive employment, the study highlights the multifaceted relationship between decent work and broader economic objectives. This research was guided by Decent Work and Human Capital Theories. The study involved a longitudinal research design. The targeted population was 300 government employees from Singida Municipal; however, only 20 participants were picked through purposive sampling to provide in-depth information about their perception of the level of decent work in Tanzania. Interviews were used to capture ideas and views from respondents and then analyzed qualitatively through a thematic approach. The study adopts qualitative methods and comprehensive interviews of 20 participants from the targeted population. It was found that, along with a few improvements in decent work, there are significant challenges in terms of regulatory enforcement and poor attitudes of top-level managers towards decent work. Respondents reported a promising impact of decent work on local economic growth; however, they stated that bad cultural practices, lack of exposure among employees, poor implementation of government policies, and labor standards block efforts towards attaining decent work. The study calls for effective strategies for enhancing the quality of work along with economic growth through training programs and public awareness events for promoting understanding and commitment to decent work standards.