Between Water and Workload: A Phenomenographic Inquiry into the Perceptions of Administrative Burden Among Irrigation Personnel

This phenomenographic study investigated the diverse ways irrigation personnel perceive and experience administrative burden in their daily work. Administrative tasks, essential for accountability and coordination, often impose significant workload pressures on irrigation staff. Through written interviews with 20 purposively selected irrigation employees, the study identified variations in how administrative burden is understood—ranging from overwhelming stress and inefficiency to opportunities for innovation and engagement. Analysis revealed that the interplay of job demands, available resources, and coping strategies shapes perceptions of workload. The findings underscore the importance of organizational support, technological facilitation, and capacity- building in mitigating burden and enhancing employee well-being. Recommendations include streamlining administrative processes, improving supervision, and fostering a positive organizational culture to optimize workload management. This research offers valuable insights for improving administrative practices in irrigation governance and supporting frontline personnel.