CAREER DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN FOOD PROCESSING COMPANIES IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
The food processing industry plays a crucial role within the agricultural sector by acting as a link between primary production and ultimate consumption. The industry enhances the value of agricultural commodities and provides employment possibilities for individuals in Kenya. The industry has faced several challenges in management of their employees due to issues related to career progression within the companies specifically the opportunities for growth and development. The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of career development practices on employees’ performance in these firms. The study focused on how three-career development practices employee maintenance, continuous learning and promotions can contribute to influence employees’ performance within the firms. The research anchored on two theories; the Needs-Based Theory and the Goal-Setting Theory. The research design used in this study was descriptive. The sample consisted of 55 food-processing enterprises located in Nairobi County. Two managers were selected from each the target firms, with a sample size of 110 respondents. Questionnaires were the tools used to collect data and analysis of the data used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study used a regression model to determine the influence of career development practices on employee performance. The results of the study revealed that there is a positive and statistically significant correlation between career development practices and employee performance in the firms. The study recommends that more emphasize should be towards diversifying approaches used to attract and retain employees. Secondly, growing a culture of continuous learning by providing opportunities to the employees needs requires more focus. Thirdly, promotion on merit should be encouraged to improve transparency and accountability among employees that would improve overall performance of the employee in the firms.
Key words: Career, Development, Practices, Retention, Performance
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