Employee participation in performance management: a case study of Nzoia Sugar Company

Abstract

The main objective of this research project was to establish the level of employee participation in performance management in Nzoia Sugar Company. Data was obtained by means of a questionnaire that was distributed to 55 employees, eleven of whom were Heads of the eleven departments in Nzoia Sugar Company. The questionnaire used to collect data from Heads of departments was different from that used to collect data from the general employees. All the 55 questionnaires were filled and returned. The response rate was 100% which was achieved due to frequent follow ups by way of phone calls.

Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results are presented in tables, charts and graphs. It was found that there was a moderate level (51.5%) of employees' participation in performance management. The study showed higher participation in early stages of the performance management process involving setting of targets but low participation in later stages like rewarding of employees. The form of participation allowed most was by representation (91 %) while the lowest form was participation in financial matters of the company such as profit sharing. This shows that Nzoia Sugar Company should increase its level of employee participation and also extend it to all stages of performance management.

Recommendations from the research are of relevance to the management of Nzoia Sugar Company and other organizations to restructure their performance management programmes so as to allow for more participation in the programmes. This study recommends that Nzoia Sugar Company should increase the level of employee participation in its performance management programmes and that it should consider coming up with programmes that allow for participation at all stages in the performance management process. This will increase employee ownership of programmes hence delivering full benefit to the organization.