Effects of Middle Cadre Employee Capacity Building on Organizational Performance in Machakos County Government, Kenya

Abstract

Capacity Building is a critical component of employee productivity and motivation which in turn leads to performance of an organization. This is because it ensures that employees are kept abreast of the current trends in the work environment and trends, this translates to organizational Development. This research therefore sought to establish the effects of middle cadre employee capacity building in Machakos County Government. The objectives of the study were as follows: To examine the effects of frequency of capacity building activities for middle cadre employees on organizational performance in Machakos County Government; to examine the effects of middle cadre employee training on organizational performance in Machakos County. To establish the effects of middle cadre employee capacity logistics on organizational performance in Machakos County Government. The study employed three theories namely: Performance and human capital theory, Dynamic capabilities theory and the Knowledge based theory. The study utilized a descriptive survey design which targeted the permanent and pensionable employees of the Machakos County Government Service Board. Using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formulae, a total of 1,962 employees formed the target population out of which 320 was the sample size. Data was collected using questionnaires that had both closed and open ended questions as well as interviews. Both Snowball and Purposive Sampling were used in selecting the respondents. The collected data was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively; the quantitative data was keyed in the SPSS software and analyzed and presented in the form of percentages, graphs, figures and charts. The qualitative data, on the other hand, was analyzed in the form of prose and narrations using thematic analysis in line with the objectives. The activities that constitute capacity building in the Machakos county government include the seminars and workshops as well as clinics that the employees are exposed to; these activities take place on average twice a year. Around 12% showed that At the same time, it was noted that training was conducted on the employees but it was felt that it ought to be more frequent and should touch on many issues especially the current affairs and emerging issues such as ICT integration as well as how to handle the challenges that have come with Covid-19 pandemic. Lastly, it was established that 20% of the challenges that affect capacity building activities included the issue of attitude where the employees have not fully embraced the capacity building activities. It was recommended that the 30% of the County Government of Machakos borrows best practices locally and internationally on the aspect of capacity building. It is expected that the study will be of benefit to the County Government well as scholars in the field of Organizational Development.