Organizational Culture on Performance of Nongovernmental Organization Projects in Kenya: a Case of Voluntary Repatriation Project at Norwegian Refugee Council, Kakuma

Abstract

This research aimed at investigating the influence of organizational culture on performance of Non-Governmental Organization projects in Kenya; a case of the voluntary repatriation project at Norwegian Refugee Council, Kakuma. The investigation was guided by the ensuing objectives; to determine the effect of organizational values on the performance of NGO projects in Kenya; to assess the influence of organizational rituals on the performance of NGO projects in Kenya; to examine the influence of organizational communication on the performance of NGO projects in Kenya; and to establish the influence of organizational norms on the performance of NGO projects in Kenya. The four dimensions of organizational culture that were examined include organizational values, organizational rituals, organizational communication and organizational norms which made the independent variables, while project performance was the dependent variable. Primary data was gathered via the use of questionnaires while secondary data was gained from scholars who have done studies in the subject matter. The Cronbach’s alpha reliability was at 0.82 which was above the minimum index of 0.75. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data and thereafter made inferences. 110 NRC employees in Kakuma formed the target population. Census sampling was used to select all 110 staff by the researcher. A distribution of semi-structured questionnaire was made to 110 NRC staff of the Voluntary Repatriation project in Kakuma. A response rate of 76% was observed as 84 questionnaires out of 110 were filled and reverted to the researcher. Data from the questionnaires was coded and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Data was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation and presented by the use of tables. Using Pearson’s Correlation, the study established a correlation of 0.83 between organizational values and project performance. From the study, organizational rituals also had a close relationship with a correlation of 0.53. Furthermore, the study discovered that organizational communication and organizational values also have a positive correlation to the project performance at 0.48 and 0.32, respectively. According to the results of the research, the findings will serve as a foundation for the conclusion that the performance of the non-governmental projects project depends on the organizational culture adopted. Achievement of success for NGO projects increases with improvement in organizational values, organizational rituals, organizational communication and organizational norms by coming up with strategies and procedures that ensure that non-governmental organizations cultivate a robust culture where staff are fully aware of the culture, own it and abide by it.