Relationship between delegation and employee productivity in selected NOREB counties, Kenya

Abstract

This paper observes the association between delegation and employee productivity in the department of public service and administration in selected Counties, North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB), the counties include; Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet and Samburu County Governments. Optimum productivity among employees is the key focus for most work places around the globe however; participation among employees in decision making seems to have been compromised by leaders in the mentioned counties. The paper is an output of a study that was carried out on participatory decision making and employee productivity in the department of public service and administration in NOREB counties. The study was directed by Empowerment Theory put forward by Kanter as the main theory, supported by Participative Management Theory and Management System Theory. This study used correlational survey design. A population of 1075 was considered as the target population among the employees of the department of public service and administration in the counties selected. A sample size of 338 respondents was settled on for the study. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire. Data was analyzed using both inferential and descriptive statistics. Some of the descriptive statistics used to describe characteristics of the data included percentages, frequency distribution, measures of central tendencies. Multiple Regression Model was used to determine statistical significance of connections between specific variables. Results of the regression analysis showed that delegation (β₂=0.156, P value=0.041<0.05) had a positive effect on employee productivity. The paper thus, makes contribution to the extant literature regarding link between participatory decision making and employee productivity by establishing that delegation is essential in predicting employee productivity in NOREB counties since, a similar study had not been conducted in the area. Furthermore, the paper puts forward a recommendation that; the studied county governments should put measures in place to ensure delegation is streamlined for efficient and effective delivery of services; this way the department of public service and administration in the counties will boost their strategies in regards to employee participation in pertinent activities affecting the organizations hence enhancing employee productivity.