Workplace Environment and Organizational Performance of Public Universities in Mount Kenya Region, Kenya

Abstract

Performance of employees influences the current performance and future competitive advantage of the organizations they are working for. The quality and capacity of work made by employees is influenced by the workplace environment. However, un conducive workplace environment results in low employee output and reduce their job fulfillment. Therefore, if steps are taken to improve employee satisfaction, overall organizational performance is enhanced. The study sought to establish the influence of workplace environment on organizational performance of public universities in Mt. Kenya region, Kenya. The study was aimed at determining the effect of ergonomics on organizational performance, establish the effect of supervisor support on organizational performance as well as evaluate the effect of motivation on organizational performance of public universities in Mt. Kenya region, Kenya. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used for answering research questions. The study population consisted of members of non-teaching employees drawn from 8 public universities in Mt. Kenya region with a total staff population of 1,647. A sample of 192 public university non-teaching employees was used for the study and the sample was selected using multistage sampling technique. The researcher administered a research questionnaire individually to selected employees to collect both qualitative and quantitative data which was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Pearson’s correlation, regression and Anova analysis were embraced in inferential statistics. After carrying out multiple regression analysis, the study established that 69% of variation between the study variables. Correlation analysis results showed that there was a positive significant liner relationship between independent and dependent variables. The study established the following variables of workplace environmental factors as having an impact on organizational performance; motivation, supervisor support and ergonomics. The findings of the study showed that employees were not contented with the supervisor support in the Universities they were working in. The study recommends that Universities need to set up more all-inclusive reward systems, change of leadership style to transformational leadership style that includes all employees. The working conditions of the employees ought to be upgraded to motivate employees to work. The study recommends that further studies be carried out in private and government institutions for a broad perspective on the relationship between organizational performance and workplace environment.