ABSTRACT

Abstract
Medical doctors traditionally head healthcare institutions especially in the developing countries but of recent there has been increased agitation by other medical professionals challenging this practice, and this has come with an avalanche of challenges. In addition, there are complex employee features such as; non-implementation of signed agreements arising from negotiation, the reoccurring frictions among healthcare professionals over perceived discriminatory pay structure is another source of worry, coupled with other corporate welfare packages which have further compounded issues and worsened these agitations. This situation has led to a lot of disputes among the healthcare professionals which is affecting efficient service delivery to patients. Hence, the study examined the perceived impact of pay structure on labour related dispute and service delivery in healthcare institutions in Nigeria. Data were collected using descriptive study adopting the survey and case study designs and relying on qualitative method. The interview responses were analysed and transcribed thematically using NVivo 12 software, where each theme answered each research question, and the results anchored on the pay structure and issues of conflict. The study concludes that pay structure has a significant impact on labour-related disputes as all other explanatory variables also have an association with the explained variable. Therefore, the study recommended that the issue of pay structure should be based on qualification, equity and fairness in order for employees to get the desired job satisfaction that will promote industrial harmony and improve service delivery.
Keyword: labour dispute, pay structure, healthcare, service delivery