THE ROLE OF HUMAN RESOURCE PLANNING ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE: A CASE OF NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE FUND (NHIF)-DAR ES SALAAM

Abstract

ABSTRACT The general objective of this study was to assess the role of human resource planning on organizational performance at NHIF Dar es Salaam. The study was guided by three specific objectives which are; to examine human resource planning practices at NHIF-Dar es salaam, to determine the contribution of human resource planning on performance of NHIF- Dar es salaam and to determine the challenges facing human resource planning at NHIF-Dar es salaam. This study used multiple case study design. The study was carried out at NHIF branches in Dar es Salaam which are Temeke branch, Ilala branch and Kinondoni branch, Tanzania. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting 72 respondents. Mixed approach was preferred in the study while data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and documentary review. Descriptive statistics were used in analyzing quantitative data while content analysis was used in analyzing qualitative data. Firstly, the findings revealed that HRP practices at NHIF include assessment of current human resource capacity, forecasting the future human resource requirements, formulation of human resource action plan, identification of existing gaps, analyzing of organizational objectives and monitoring and feedback giving. Secondly, the findings revealed that HRP has contributed to improvement in performance of the organization through improvement in quality of services, increase in range and type of services, increase in number of new members as well as increased accessibility of NHIF services. Finally, the findings revealed that challenges facing HRP in the organization include limited top management support, limited skills and knowledge among HRP professionals, insufficient funds, limited information on human resources and inadequate number of HR professionals. It was recommended that there should be commitment among management of the organization in carrying out human resource planning, there should be trainings to HRP professionals in order to increase their expertise skills and knowledge and management should ensure allocation of sufficient financial resources.