The Perceived Factors Affecting Employee Productivity At The World Vision Organization In Kenya

Abstract

This study entitled ―The perceived factors affecting Employee productivity at the World Vision Organization in Kenya‖ focused on looking at the real issues that either increase or reduce the levels of employee productivity and the World Vision Organization in Kenya was taken as the case study. The study was guided by the main objective which was to determine the perceived factors that affect employee productivity at the World Vision Organization in Kenya. This study is anchored on three theories, namely; the goal settings theory, the systems theory and the organizations theory. The goal settings theory argued that when specific goals that are difficult to achieve are set up by the organization, it will automatically lead to high levels of employee productivity because the employees will be working hard to meet the set goals or the target. The second theory was the systems theory which argued that an organization comprised of different segment within its structures and if the organizations has to increase on its levels of production, then the various systems within the organization must have a shared vision, support each other. This will help to raise the levels of employee productivity. Finally the organizations theory argued that it‘s the organization which is responsible for shaping the attitudes and behaviors of its employees, the organization has to realign all its structures in the right manner and put in place an organizational culture that will make the employees to raise their levels of productivity. The study had a target population of 300 employees and a sample size of 150 respondent‘s .The study adopted a stratified sampling technique whereby all the employees were categorized into the existing departments at the World Vision Organization headquarters in Karen area of Nairobi city. Primary data was collected using the self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire was divided into two major parts A & B where section A contained the bio data of the respondents while section B covered the statements on the perceived factors affecting employee productivity. Data was collected using the process of a drop and pick up later method. The study found out that a number of factors that affected employee productivity included the following; the style of leadership in the organization. If the leadership was progressive and acted as an inspiration to the employees, the levels of employee productivity are likely to go high. The communication systems in the organization; if the organization has got proper mechanisms that promote good communication, productivity will be high and the reverse is also true. Thirdly the proper training that the employees are taken through, performance appraisals, motivational levels of the employees, knowledge, skills and attitudes that employees have. In view of these the study recommends that the leadership of the World Vision Organization needs to change on its style of leadership so that it becomes responsive to the needs of the employees and inspire confidence in the employees. Secondly the study recommends that proper communication systems needs to be reorganized and strengthened so that it fosters communications in the organization both vertically and horizontally. Thirdly the study recommends that the existing policies on employee promotions at the World Vision Organization should be sponsored for further training either internally or in workshops, seminars and conferences so as to sharpen on their knowledge and skills and finally the study recommends a further research on the area of government employment policy in relation to the employee productivity and a similar study to be carried out on other non-governmental organizations and public organizations.