Abstract

Purpose: This paper provides both quantitative and qualitative literature review on employee engagement in State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) as portrayed in literature and offers more insight into the concept on how it can be optimised. Research design, data and methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. A review and analysis of both theoretical and empirical research and articles which are relevant to employee engagement in SOEs was conducted. Only secondary information gathered through those articles and research was used to analyse and build literature review on employee engagement in SOEs. Results: A literature review of both qualitative and quantitative research on employee engagement in organisations generally and in SOEs particularly was done, and it indicated the positive relationship between employee engagement and organisational performance. From the study, it is evident that employee engagement is not optimal around the world, therefore it is an area which needs more attention. Hence, this study proffered strategies for enhancing employee engagement in SOEs. Conclusions: This study proffers strategies for optimising employee engagement in SOEs. These are brand image, work environment, management and leadership characteristics, training and development opportunities, performance management, work life balance, effective communication and Kahn’s three factors of meaningfulness, safety and availability. These strategies are essential in optimising employee engagement as portrayed in the reviewed literature.