HE EFFECT OF JOB CHARACTERISTICS ON EMPLOYEE JOB PERFORMANCE: A CASE OF MADDA WALABU UNIVERSITY, ETHIOPIA

Abstract The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of job characteristics on employee job performance at Madda Walabu University. To conduct this study, the researcher used descriptive and explanatory research designs. The study participants comprised of 119 administrative and 81 academic staff which selected with simple random sampling technique. On the other hand, the presidents of the university and 5 directors were selected by using purposive sampling technique. The data collected by using questionnaire and interview. The study found that employee job tasks in the university were in average performance. The study clearly showed, among the five factors, multiple linear regressions (Standardized Beta coefficients) analysis revealed that, skill variety is the most significant factor affect employee job performance followed by feedback, task identity and autonomy respectively, but task significance were ignored in the implementation as a result has no effect on employee job performance. Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made. It is important that all the members of staff are made aware of what is happening in the organization so that they can always match their personal objectives with the objectives of the entire organization for success. It recommended that one’s efforts are needed for the success of the organization since their job plays a crucial role in supporting the organization. It recommended that it is essential to give great focus for one’s job description and effort. It also recommended that it expected to designed employee jobs in such a way that it allows employee to feel the responsibility of the outcomes. It recommended considering factors that increase motivation in employees as this enhances their performance. 1