Relationship Between Management of Generation Y and Level of Innovation in the Manufacturing Sector in Mombasa, Kenya

Abstract

For global manufacturers marching toward profitable growth through global expansion and productivity improvement, the significance of talent management will only increase in the years to come. Manufacturing companies will need to understand the values of incoming generations and carefully rethink their strategies for attracting and engaging this talent as an integral part of their business models. Generation Y workforce will have a great impact on productivity at the workplace as well as on the competitive advantage of organizations. In this regard manufacturing companies in Mombasa County are not exceptional. The study sought to establish the Generation Y management strategies employed by organizations within the manufacturing sector and the relationship between management of Generation Y and level of innovation of the manufacturing companies. A descriptive survey research was employed and to collect data, use of surveys, interviews, case studies and observation was developed. The population of study was all manufacturing firms in Mombasa County which are 130 firms and sample size was 40. Regression analysis was used in the data analysis. 28 manufacturing companies responded giving a response rate of 70.0%. For manufacturing firms to be innovative, they must instill a culture that encourages innovation from Generation Y employees. An innovative- supportive culture is one that values creativity and cooperation. It should also give Generation Y employee’s freedom to experiment. From the findings implementing appropriate management strategies relevant to Generation Y also saw the Generation Y employees have an impact on the level of innovation. The study concluded that there is a linkage between management of Generation Y and level of innovation in manufacturing firms in Mombasa; and Generation Y have an impact on innovation. Organizations therefore are recommended to put in place a culture that encourages innovation and look at adopting more Generation Y centered management practices as this is not only key in attracting and retaining the Generation Y workforce but ultimately works to increase the innovativeness, capacity and performance of the organizations.