The Influence of Workplace Diversity Management on Organizational Citizenship Behavior Among Employees of Registered Dairy Firms in Kenya

Abstract

The concept of work place diversity and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors (OCB) are associated with human resource management in organizations. A number of management and development studies have succeeded and ended up documented on the challenges and problems impacting most institutions in Africa region including in Kenya. To gain or sustain competitive advantage and excellent management, most organizations have reorganized, merged with like-minded firms, evaluated, re-designed, enforced total quality control plans and adopted diversity management systems with the aim of promoting their organizational citizenship behaviors. This research aimed to establish the effects of workplace diversity management on organizational citizenship behaviors among employees in registered dairy production firms in Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional survey approach was utilized in this investigation. The target population were 23 firms which were registered with Kenya Dairy Board targeting 703 participants and narrowed down to 255.The sample population from each site was determined using a stratified proportional sampling approach. In order to participate in this study, a random sample proportionate to the participant's cadre was chosen. Data7 collected7 was7 coded7 and7entered in a computer and verified with the use of a Microsoft Excel software to ensure correctness and completeness. For analysis Social Science Statistical Package, SPSS-software version 23, was used. The characteristics of the respondents and their replies to each question were described in descriptive7 statistics7 (frequencies, mean7 and7 percentages). The data was then presented by tables, graphs and discussion of the results. The study employed inferential statistics by adopting a7 simple7 regression7 analysis7 to7 test7 the7 link7 between7 the7variables. The study found that the employees agreed that their firms had ensured the following in workplace diversity to a moderate extent. The study further found that the firms had ensured the following in enhancing organizational citizenship behaviors to a moderate extent. The study concluded that the dairy firms had not enhanced organizational citizenship behaviors effectively in their firms. The study also concluded that the dairy firms had not ensured effective practices on workplace diversity. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between the workplace diversity components (collaborations and team work, creativity and innovation, employee engagement and supportive work environment and different perspectives) and organizational citizenship behaviors among employees of registered dairy production firms in Kenya. The study recommends that, with professionalism,

dairy companies may encourage their staff to embrace goodwill at work, ensuring that teamwork spirit is embraced at all service delivery level aimed at enhancing organizational citizenship behaviors. Management of dairy companies have a responsibility to ensure that their workers are well trained and given the opportunity to be innovative. This can be enhanced through offering scholarships as motivational rewards. The importance of rules and regulations in the workplace cannot be overstated. As a result, dairy companies have a responsibility to guarantee that self-control and discipline are observed at work by adhering to the organizations' established norms and regulations. The importance of attendance and work performance cannot be overstated. Dairy companies should encourage their casual employees to work in pleasant locations, since this will improve their productivity.