Linking Work Environment with Employee Performance in Public Middle Level TIVET Institutions in Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The study sought to establish the effect of work environment on employee performance in the Public Middle Level TIVET Institutions in Kenya. Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design. Sample size was 315 targeting administrators, heads of department, teaching staff and non teaching staff. A structured questionnaire with likert scale questions was used to collect data from the respondents. An interview was also conducted with the administrators and heads of department. The study used personality trait theory which believes that the personality factors affect job performance in a work environment. Findings: The study indicated that there is no proper job description for most non teaching staff and distribution of available working tools and materials is done poorly in a majority of institutions, the safety and health of employees in the workplace had not been adequately addressed. The study implies that some institutions are in urgent need to improve the working conditions in order to provide a better working environment for employees to perform better. Limitations: the study was conducted in one county and therefore cannot be generalized in other public and private institutions. Practical implications: Provides evidence on effect of work environment on employee performance and offer recommendation on what the Ministries as well as institutions can do to improve performance of employees. Originality: this is the first study of this nature conducted in Kenya focusing on linking work environment with employee performance in public middle level TIVET institutions.
Keywords: Employee performance, Kenya, Middle level, TIVET institutions, Work environment.