Work engagement: the key driver in transforming organizational commitment into enhanced work performance among midwives in Ghana - a structural equation modelling approach.

BACKGROUND

Midwives play a pivotal role in maternal and child health systems, yet their performance is profoundly shaped by organizational commitment and work engagement.

AIM

This study examined the mediating effect of work engagement on the relationship between organizational commitment and work performance among midwives in Ghana.

METHOD

An analytical cross-sectional design was employed in this study. Data were collected from 254 midwives using validated scales to assess organizational commitment, work engagement, and work performance. Analyses were conducted using SPSS Statistics and AMOS for structural equation modeling (SEM).

RESULTS

Most participants were female (96.9%) and aged 30-39 years (54.3%). Organizational commitment was positively correlated with work engagement (r = 0.125, p < 0.05) and work performance (r = 0.166, p < 0.05). Work engagement also showed a strong positive correlation with work performance (r = 0.662, p < 0.05). Mediation analysis confirmed that work engagement fully mediated the relationship between organizational commitment and work performance (β = 0.078, SE = 0.061, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study highlight the vital role of work engagement as a positive and significant mediator between organizational commitment and work performance among midwives. Investing in strategies that boost midwives' commitment and engagement is essential for strengthening maternal healthcare quality and workforce sustainability.