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Romanian And Kenyan Business Graduates: Exploring The Link Between Work Engagement, Rewards, And Job Satisfaction

Author

Listed:
  • Elena Aurelia BOTEZAT

    (Management – Marketing Department, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania)

  • Joan NDUNG’U-GITAHI

    (Strathmore Business School, Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Adela Laura POPA

    (Management – Marketing Department, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania)

  • Dorin- Cristian COITA

    (Management – Marketing Department, Faculty of Economic Sciences, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania)

Abstract

Developing longer-lasting relationships with graduates, also known as alumni, benefits individuals and universities, enhances organizational performance, and contributes to regional and national renewal. Examining job satisfaction among business graduates from two emerging economies, Romania and Kenya, is an important topic for both countries, as alumni report relatively lower satisfaction compared to their peers from developed economies when receiving equivalent financial and non-financial work rewards. This study therefore aims to highlight the impact of work engagement and rewards on job satisfaction among two groups of business graduates, one from Romania and the other from Kenya. Drawing on social exchange theory complemented by social information processing theory, the authors conducted an exploratory quantitative study involving business graduates from both countries. Data were collected through an online questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 24.0 software. The results reveal that work engagement is the main predictor of job satisfaction in both groups. Specifically, regression analysis indicates that for Romanian graduates, only one subdimension (vigor) has a significant effect, while for Kenyan graduates, two subdimensions (vigor and dedication) exert a significant and positive influence, whereas the third (absorption) has a negative effect. Unexpectedly, the dimensions of work rewards (financial, recognition and socializing, and promotion and development) exert only a limited and statistically insignificant influence on job search behavior in both groups. Accordingly, this study provides new insights for universities and managers on effectively engaging with alumni and harnessing their potential to enrich business education as well as the local, regional, and national entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Suggested Citation

  • Elena Aurelia BOTEZAT & Joan NDUNG’U-GITAHI & Adela Laura POPA & Dorin- Cristian COITA, 2025. "Romanian And Kenyan Business Graduates: Exploring The Link Between Work Engagement, Rewards, And Job Satisfaction," Annals of Faculty of Economics, University of Oradea, Faculty of Economics, vol. 34(2), pages 395-410, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ora:journl:v:34:y:2025:i:2:p:395-410
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Barbara Sypniewska & Małgorzata Baran & Monika Kłos, 2023. "Work engagement and employee satisfaction in the practice of sustainable human resource management – based on the study of Polish employees," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 19(3), pages 1069-1100, September.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • A23 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Graduate
    • M20 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - General

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