Journal
Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research
MJAMR
The Relationship Between Organisational Structure and Employee Performance in Mbale Local Government
Nakhayenze Winny
| Journal | Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research (MJAMR) |
| Volume / Issue | Vol. 5, No. 3 |
| Published | 31 March 2026 |
| ISSN | 3006-4384 |
Abstract
Local governments in Uganda faced persistent challenges in service delivery effectiveness, with organizational structure emerging as a critical determinant of employee performance and institutional capacity. Mbale Local Government operated within a complex structural framework balancing administrative hierarchy, departmental specialization, and decentralized service delivery mandates. This study examined the relationship between organizational structure and employee performance in Mbale Local Government using a cross-sectional survey design. The research targeted 156 respondents comprising district officials, departmental heads, technical staff, and administrative employees. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews, achieving a 94% response rate. Analysis employed descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression techniques. The study revealed a significant positive relationship between organizational structure and employee performance (R² = 0.716, F = 44.78, p < 0.001). Hierarchical structure clarity (β = 0.412, p < 0.01), departmental specialization (β = 0.376, p < 0.01), coordination mechanisms (β = 0.329, p < 0.01), and span of control (β = 0.267, p < 0.05) significantly predicted employee performance. Findings indicated that 64% of employees with clear reporting lines achieved performance targets compared to 38% with ambiguous structures. Departments with optimal spans of control (1:8 ratio) demonstrated 47% higher productivity than those with excessive spans (1:15+ ratio). Communication effectiveness scored 3.12/5.0, while role clarity achieved only 2.87/5.0, indicating structural ambiguities affecting performance. Organizational structure significantly influenced employee performance through role clarity, coordination efficiency, communication effectiveness, and accountability mechanisms. Structural deficiencies including role ambiguity, excessive hierarchical layers, poor coordination, and inappropriate spans of control constrained performance outcomes. Mbale Local Government should undertake comprehensive organizational restructuring, clarify roles and reporting relationships, optimize spans of control, strengthen coordination mechanisms, implement performance management systems aligned with structure, and invest in change management supporting structural improvements.
Keywords
Organizational structure
employee performance
local government
Mbale District
hierarchical structure
departmental coordination
Cite This Article
Nakhayenze Winny (2026). The Relationship Between Organisational Structure and Employee Performance in Mbale Local Government. Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 5(3). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=292
More in This Issue
View full issue →
21
Implementation Of Public Health Policy And Healthcare Delivery In Selected Teaching Hospitals In SouthSouth, Nigeria (2018-2023)
Public Health Policy
Healthcare Delivery
and Teaching Hospitals
22
Influence of Financial Literacy on Loan Repayment Performance: A Case of Financial Literacy and Loan Performance of Microfinance Borrowers in Wakiso District
Financial literacy
loan repayment
microfinance
borrower performance
23
Influence of Tax Compliance Costs on SME Performance: A Case Study of SMEs in Kagadi District
Tax compliance costs
SME performance
Kagadi District
small and medium enterprises
24
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPERVISION AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AT UCE IN SELECTED PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF KASHARI SOUTH, MBARARA CITY UGANDA
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPERVISION AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AT UCE IN SELECTED PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF KASHARI SOUTH
MBARARA CITY UGANDA
25
LEADERSHIP STYLES AND TEACHER’S RETENTION IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LUWEERO DISTRICT, UGANDA
LEADERSHIP STYLES AND TEACHER’S RETENTION IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LUWEERO DISTRICT
UGANDA