EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE OF MERU COUNTY GOVERNMENT, KENYA
Keywords:
Employee Engagement Strategies, Work Engagement, Performance, Organizational EngagementAbstract
County governments play a critical role in the decentralization of power in Kenya, which aims to promote more efficient governance and equitable distribution of resources across the country. The Meru County Government, located in Kenya, faces several significant challenges that hinder its ability to achieve sustainable development and efficient governance. These issues have created a turbulent environment for the county’s leadership and overall progress. The main objective of this study is to establish the influence of employee engagement strategies on performance of Meru County Government, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to establish the influence of work engagement on performance of Meru County Government, Kenya and to determine the influence of organizational engagement on performance of Meru County Government, Kenya. This study was guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), and Social Exchange Theory (SET). This study used descriptive research design. This study was conducted in Meru County and focused on elected leaders and departmental heads. Meru County is one of the 47 counties of Kenya located in the former Eastern Province. The county comprises of nine parliamentary constituencies and 45 electoral wards. In addition, the county has 13 departments. This study therefore targeted 142 respondents comprising of MCAs and departmental heads and their assistants. A total sample size of 105 respondents was taken with the aid of Yamane (1967) formula. This study collected quantitative data. Quantitative data was coded then analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 22. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data in frequency distributions and percentages which were presented in tables and figures. Inferential statistics comprised of correlation analysis and regression analysis. The study results were presented through use of tables and figures. The study concludes that work engagement has a positive and significant influence on performance of Meru County Government, Kenya. Further, the study concludes that organizational engagement has a positive and significant influence on performance of Meru County Government, Kenya. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the management of County Government in Kenya should strengthen employee recognition and reward systems. By consistently acknowledging individual and team achievements, both formally and informally, the government can foster a culture of appreciation and motivation. In addition, the study recommends that the management of County Government in Kenya should promote collaborative goal-setting and decision-making. Involving teams in setting objectives and contributing to important decisions fosters a sense of ownership, unity, and shared responsibility.
Key Words: Employee Engagement Strategies, Work Engagement, Performance, Organizational Engagement
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