Perceived Factors Influencing Performance of Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers Union Officials in Dispute Resolution in Kisumu County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate perceived factors influencing performance of Kenya union of post primary education teachers’ union officials in dispute resolution in Kisumu County, Kenya. Specifically, objectives of the study were to establish the influence of training on trade union officials’ perception of their effectiveness in industrial dispute resolution, the extent to which top management commitment to union matters influences union officials effectiveness in industrial dispute resolution, assess the extent to which involvement in decision making of union members influences union members’ effectiveness in dispute resolution and examine the influence of communication during negotiation on industrial dispute resolution. The study was based on unitary theory by Alan Fox (1996). The study adopted a cross sectional survey research design. The target population of this study was 1485 unionized members from 175 secondary schools and 100 KUPPET representatives in Kisumu County, Kenya. The sample for this study consisted of 149 (10 percent) unionized secondary teachers and 10 (10 percent) KUPPET representatives. The teachers were purposively selected and simple random sampling was used to get the required number of participants. Purposive sampling technique was also used to select the KUPPET representatives. Data collection instruments for the study were questionnaire and interview schedule. Descriptive statistics was used to analyzed quantitative data then presented in percentages and frequencies. Qualitative data was transcribed then presented and organized as themes and narratives. The study found that training influenced trade union officials’ perception of their effectiveness in industrial dispute resolution as it gives them basic skills and knowledge on dispute resolution, top management commitments influenced disputes resolution at KUPPET to a great extent, involvement in decision making of union members is a vital element of industrial democracy and it influenced union members’ effectiveness in dispute resolution and communication during negotiation influenced industrial dispute resolution to a great extent. From the research several recommendations are made; for effectiveness in industrial dispute resolution, trade unions should train their officials. The level of commitment by the top management on union matters should be higher for the union to succeed in settlement of industrial disputes. Union members should be involved in decision making at all stages in settlement of industrial dispute and communication during negotiation should be well timed and parties should have confidence and trust between them. Suggestions for further studies include further research on other perceived factors influencing performance of Kenya union of post primary education teachers union officials in dispute resolution in Kisumu County, Kenya, since this study focused only on: training, commitment by the top management, involvement in decision making of union members and communication during negotiation.