| dc.description.abstract | Aim of studying performance of children homes in Kitui Central District was to assess the relationship between the factors that influence the performance of children homes operations relative to the general performance of standardized organizational operations. The study was guided by the following objectives; to establish the extent to which decision making influence performance of children homes, to establish how conflict resolution process influences the performance of children homes, to establish the extent to which provision of basic necessities influences performance of children homes, to determine how financial accountability influences performance of children homes and to establish the extent to which staff motivation influences performance of children homes in the target study location. The research findings and recommendations may aid in further research on the topic as well as evaluate the merits and demerits of running children homes' projects.
A descriptive survey design was used as the research methodology in this study in which factors influencing performance constituted the independent variables while performance of children homes constituted the dependent variable of the study. Non-probabilistic purposive sampling approach was used to select the two children homes. The two children homes selected were the (Thome wa Klisto) and the (African Inland Church Mulango). This selection was purposive because the two homes were well established thus their performance could be assessed against as well as being comparable to performance of standardized organizational operations.
Purposive sampling was used to select the manager and close support staff in each of the administrative bodies of these children homes. A questionnaire for both the children homes' managers and subordinate staff was used for collection of data. The questionnaire was structured with closed-ended items only. Pretesting of the questionnaire was conducted by means of a pilot study where the University of Nairobi lecturers ascertained the validity and spilt-half method was used to establish the reliability.
Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results were discussed. The findings were presented using frequency distribution tables, percentages and mean values from the 5-point likert rating scale range of (1-2-3-4-5).The study findings revealed that the influence of decision making, conflict resolution, staff motivation,financial accountability,provision of basic needs had impact on the performance of children homes.
The study conclusions were that the children homes provide safety nets for the growth and development of some children who would have otherwise lacked adequate care, social and moral development as well as social amenities like health and education services. It was therefore recommended that it was imperative to ensure improvement in the performance of the current children homes establishments. Finally suggestions for further studies were recommended so as to offer further study cases for comparisons. | en |
