Factors Which Influence employee Performance In The Manufacturing Industry: A Case East African Portland Cement Company

A Research Project Report Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement of Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to examine the factors which influence employee performance in the manufacturing industry a case of East African Portland Cement Company in Kenya. The study was guided by three research questions as follows: To what extent do benefits influence employee performance at EAPCC? To what extent does learning and development influence employee performance at EAPCC? To extent does work environment influence employee performance at EAPCC? The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised of 1160employees of EAPCC. Stratified random sampling was adopted to select 297 respondents. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data analysis tool was the Stratified Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data was analysed using descriptive statistics like frequencies and percentages. The results were presented using figures and tables. With regard to benefits, the study revealed many respondents agreed that they were given recognition for performance. Majority of the respondents also agreed that they had access to good medical protection, that they got good security and retirement benefits. All the same, the respondents disagreed that the package for attracting, retaining and engaging employees was right. The study findings indicated that all the benefits had a large effect on employee productivity. On learning and development, majority of the respondents agreed that they were provided with opportunities for skill development and that the training programs were focused on organization’s needs. However, the respondents disagreed that the training need focused on the individual needs. They also disagreed that career advancement was clearly defined. The study found that there were many negative responses on whether the organization made use of its employees’ abilities and skills. Regarding work environment, majority of the respondents agreed that proper working technologies and safety gear were provided. They were also of the opinion that the supervisors led by example and were supportive. The study found that many respondents gave negative responses as to whether they had experienced work related illnesses. Many also disagreed that their work environment was comfortable. They also disagreed that their workload was reasonable. The study concluded that benefits, learning and development and work environment forms an important aspect in manufacturing organizations as it influences employee performance. EAPCC recognizes excellent performers however it did not carry out promotions frequently for high achievers. The employees do not have very attractive benefit package although they are offered good allowances for overtime worked. These other packages that are not attractive and do not match job responsibilities may demotivate to the hard working employees. On the skill development the study concludes that the employees have opportunities for skill development however seminars and workshops for the departments are not held frequently. The study recommended that management in organizations should design a benefits system which would drive, reinforce and sometimes alter the culture in a way that the organization’s goals are supported and have different types of benefit systems which relate to performance. They should design recognition programmes that have a purpose of keeping employees motivated and productive. Organizations should align reward practices to attain good organizational performance. They should re-orient the employees to align their values with those of the organization through training, team building and harmonization of the organizational policies. This would make employees feel proud about them and the organization as well as boost their morale and productivity