Investigating How Privatization Affects Employee Commitment In Public Organizations: A Case Study Of Saudi Post Management Under Vision 2030

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of privatization on job commitment among employees of the Saudi Post Corporation in the Eastern Region. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, privatization has become a key strategy to reform public institutions and improve operational efficiency. However, limited attention has been given to how such structural reforms influence employee behavior, particularly in terms of organizational commitment.

The study aimed to: (1) identify the level of job commitment among Saudi Post employees after privatization, (2) examine the relationship between employees’ perceptions of privatization and their commitment levels, and (3) propose recommendations to enhance commitment in the context of ongoing transformation. A descriptive-analytical methodology was adopted, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to a random sample of 300 employees across various departments.

The findings revealed that while 53.3% of respondents reported high levels of commitment post-privatization, a substantial proportion expressed neutrality or concern regarding the privatization process itself. A moderate negative correlation (r = -0.32, p < 0.01) was found between negative perceptions of privatization and job commitment. Department-wise analysis showed significant differences, with IT and operations staff demonstrating higher commitment compared to finance and customer service employees.

Based on the results, the study recommends enhancing communication transparency, ensuring job security, investing in training and career development, and promoting employee involvement in decision-making processes. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and HR leaders aiming to align structural reforms with sustainable human capital strategies.