Locus of control, moral potency, job satisfaction and deviant workplace behaviors among health workers in Soroti

Abstract

This study investigates the intricate relationships between Locus of Control (LOC), Job Satisfaction, and Deviant Workplace Behaviors (DWB) among health workers in Soroti, Uganda, with a focus on the moderating role of Moral Potency (MP). Despite the critical importance of ethical conduct in organizational settings, DWB remains prevalent in healthcare facilities, undermining operational integrity and affecting employee morale, safety, and patient outcomes. The research addresses the limited understanding of how individual traits, such as LOC, influence DWB within the unique context of low-income healthcare organizations. Using a sample of 102 health workers, determined through G-Power software for medium effect sizes, the study employs quantitative methods to analyze the hypothesized relationships. Findings reveal a significant positive correlation between an external LOC and DWB, while the relationship between LOC and job satisfaction is non-significant. Additionally, job satisfaction does not mediate the relationship between LOC and DWB, nor does MP moderate these associations. These results suggest that individual psychological traits are influenced by broader organizational factors, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of workplace dynamics. The study highlights the urgency for targeted interventions to mitigate DWB and enhance ethical practices in resource-constrained healthcare environments, ultimately contributing to better organizational performance and patient care.