Assessing satisfaction with the change management process and work engagement levels of engineers in an electricity supplier

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study Eskom engineers’ satisfaction with the new Engineering Change Management (ECM) process and assess their job satisfaction and work engagement levels in view of the mentioned ECM process. A crosssectional and quantitative approach is used to obtain necessary data. A selfdesigned ECM Process Satisfaction Questionnaire, a short form of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale are used in the collection of data for this study. Generally, the engineers are not fully satisfied with the ECM process. Of major concern to the engineers is the way in which both the ECM process is implemented and the ECM process leaders consult and engage with the engineers. In addition, the engineers are satisfied with their employment, a fact that is closely related to their being actively involved in their work. On the downside, engineers are concerned about the limited opportunities for advancement in their current positions. Regarding work engagement, the engineers are actively employed as is evidenced by their resilience and perseverance in their work, even when problems arise. In terms of the relationship between the study constructs, ECM process satisfaction has a very positive effect on the engineers’ work engagement and a slightly less positive one on their job satisfaction. It is recommended that the study be conducted on the whole population of Eskom engineers who are involved in ECM process. In addition, ECM process control manuals need to be reviewed and assessed in order to improve the implementation of this process. Lastly, an Internal Change Management Strategy needs to be devised to create readiness for change in Eskom’s Engineering Departments