Influence of Organization Modernization Programmes on Employee Performance: a case of Nakuru Lands Offices in Nakuru County, Kenya.

Abstract

Various modernization programs have been undertaken among Kenyan public institutions with the view of improving employee performance. In the Ministry of Lands, modernization initiatives such digitization of land records have been implemented while others are ongoing. The aim of this study was to show how the modernization program has influenced employee performance at the Nakuru Lands Offices. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the influence of administrative modernization, political modernization, cultural modernization, and equipment modernization on employees’ performance. It was guided by the Nudge Theory and New Public Management Model and utilized the descriptive research design. The study targeted the 56 operations employees and 6 heads of departments (HODs) at the Nakuru Lands Offices. Data was collected using structured questionnaires from all the 56 operations employees. Data was also collected through semi-structured interviews with all the five HODs at Nakuru Land Office. Quantitative data collected using questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while the qualitative data collected through interviews was analyzed using the thematic technique. Results were presented using tables, figures, and text. Results showed that the Nakuru Land Offices have made noteworthy progress in terms of cultural modernization (score=82.9%) and equipment modernization (score=81.8%) but has not made major progress in terms of administrative modernization (score= 57.9%) and political modernization (score=61.2%). It was also found that administrative modernization (r=0.398, sig. = .018), political modernization (r=0.414, sig=.006), and cultural modernization (r= 0.509, sig=.000) have a positive and statistically significant influence on employees’ performance. Equipment modernization (r= 0.211, sig. = 0.118) did not have a statistically significant influence on performance. The study recommends that to significantly improve the level of employees’ performance, the management at the Nakuru Land Office should focus on improving cultural modernization as it has the most significant influence on performance. The organization should also focus on increasing administrative modernization as this had the lowest score. To enhance administrative modernization, the ministry should improve its compensation and promotion systems.