Effect of Employee Characteristics on Employee Performance in Kajiado County Government.

Abstract

Organizations need to have a stable organizational culture in order to attract employees of different talents and skills. This results to workforce diversity and thus improves corporate status and a strong cultural value. An employees’ characteristics are a global workplace and marketplace phenomenon. The study was conducted to establish the influence of employee characteristics on employee performance in Kajiado County. The study is directed by; Social Identity Theory and Self Categorization Theory. The study used descriptive research design which allowed the researcher to define the variable characteristics. Target population was 4000 with a sample size of 380 from the human resource department of the County Government of Kajiado. Data was collected by use of structured and organized questionnaires. A drop and pick later method was used to administer the questionnaires to the respective staff or their equivalent. The findings were presented using percentages, tables and frequencies. Regression was used in determining the relationship between employee characteristics on employee performance. From the findings, gender diversity moderately affects employee performance. It was also established that workforce diversity is ineffective if gender issues are not recognized and well-managed. Further conclusions were made on need of diverse workforce in Kajiado County Government in terms of age. It was also revealed from the study that older people were more experienced hence had better skills of solving varied problems. It was discovered that the County government of Kajiado included all age groups in decision making and solving problems. The county government also provided equal opportunities in terms of training and career mentorship and development. The study recommends that the county government should have a management more focused on workplace diversity. The county government should also enact policies on vernacular speaking in the county offices due to the ethnic diversity that exists there. The study further recommends that the county government should make sure both genders are well represented and given adequate employment opportunities to boost growth and career development. These findings can be used on parastatal establishments’ and cannot be generalized. The study recommends that further research should be done on effect of employee characteristics on employee performance.