Disabled employees in Jordanian public sector: an exploratory study

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the attitudes of disabled employees toward availability of work facilities, treatment of other employees, and the working conditions in the Jordanian public sector. Design/methodology/approach – A purposive sample of disabled public sector employees (198) was selected to participate in the study by filling the designated questionnaire. Findings – Disabled employees reported a relatively moderate level of satisfaction about the availability of facilities. Also, participants are satisfied with the treatment of their supervisors and colleagues and of the working conditions. Disabled female participants and those who hold graduate degrees reported high-satisfaction level about the treatment they receive from their colleagues at work. The findings also showed that 55 percent of the participants were hired based on humanitarian bases as a result of their disability cases compared with 45 percent who were hired based on their qualifications and merits. Practical implications – This research significantly contributes to the scarce knowledge that currently exists in the position of disabled employees in the Arab world. Policy makers and human resource managers should develop a clear strategy to provide the facilities for disabled people to accommodate at work. In addition, they should provide professional guidance and rehabilitation training programs aiming to enhance disabled employees’ participation and involvement in the labor market. Originality/value – The study is one of the first to investigate the status of disabled public sector employees in Jordan and in the Arab world.