WELFARE PROGRAMMES AND EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN SOFTCLANS TECHNOLOGIES LTD, KENYA
Maureen Njue - Master of Business Administration, Strategic Management, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Dr. Rosemarie Wanyoike - Lecturer, Business Administration Department, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Employee productivity is a crucial element of the modern company landscape, marked by globalization and technology advancements that have heightened the demand for skilled personnel. Considering the burgeoning software development sector in Kenya, organisations are eager to attain elevated productivity levels among their staff. Organisations encounter difficulties in staff retention due to heightened competition in the field, particularly with the influx of multinational corporations. The primary aim of the study was to analyse the impact of employee welfare programs on productivity within the software development industry in Kenya, specifically at SoftClans Technologies Ltd. Social exchange theory, path-goal theory, and the Technology Acceptance Model are all proposed as theoretical basis for this research. The study employed a descriptive survey methodology to get insights into individuals' views, values, and opinions, thereby enhancing comprehension of the phenomena under investigation. The study population consisted of 1,520 individuals, with a random selection procedure employed to pick 317 representatives from the entire population. Management levels categoried the population into top, middle, and lower tiers. Primary data for the research was collected via semi-structured questionnaires. A pilot study was executed to enhance the data collection instrument, and expert assessment was solicited to appraise content validity. Reliability was assessed utilizing Cronbach's alpha to evaluate internal consistency, targeting a value of 0.7 or more. Data regarding Kenya's software development sector was obtained through internet journals, library resources, and existing documentation. The data underwent analysis through descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, organized it for display, and prepared for subsequent analysis, including correlation, regression, and inferential statistics. The collected data was evaluated using a mix of qualitative and quantitative techniques in this study. To make the data more presentable and suitable for inferential statistics, correlation, and regression, descriptive statistics was used to provide a brief description of the data. The research established that employee security initiatives enhance productivity by fostering a secure and supportive workplace atmosphere. Measures for physical safety, initiatives for emotional well-being, dispute resolution strategies, and work-life balance alternatives collectively enhance stress reduction, improve focus, and elevate employee motivation. Employees that see security and value are more inclined to reciprocate with enhanced commitment and productivity, so confirming the Social Exchange Theory.