WORK ETHICS AND BEHAVIOUR OF STAFF IN WORKPLACE: A STUDY OF BAYELSA STATE HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT BOARD (HMB)

Abstract

This study examined the work ethic and behavior of staff in the Bayelsa State Hospital Management Board (HMB) and their impact on service delivery. The specific objectives were to assess the common behavioral patterns of staff, examine the factors influencing staff work ethic and behavior within the Board, determine the impact of staff work ethic and behavior on patient care and hospital performance, and investigate the dimensions of staff work ethic in HMB. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Primary data were collected from staff of the Bayelsa State Hospital Management Board using a structured questionnaire, while the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics comprising frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that staff generally demonstrated positive workplace behaviors, including politeness, empathy, compliance with organizational rules, and prompt response to emergencies. The study further established that leadership style, working conditions, regular training, supervision, and organizational accountability significantly influenced staff work ethic and behavior. In addition, positive work ethics and behavior were found to improve patient satisfaction, teamwork, hospital productivity, and institutional reputation while reducing medical errors. The study also revealed that staff exhibited diligence, honesty, integrity, and confidentiality, although accountability for personal actions required further improvement. The study concluded that strengthening positive work ethics, supportive leadership, continuous staff development, and accountability mechanisms would enhance staff performance, improve service delivery, and promote effective healthcare management in the Bayelsa State Hospital Management Board.