WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN STATE CORPORATIONS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Lucy Kariainto, Dr. Millicent Mboya

Abstract


Workforce diversity is a multi-faceted concept that keeps growing as the world continues to be the international marketplace. It is because of this reason that most people are convinced that diversity is essential for employee performance. The general objective of this study was to examine effect of workforce diversity and employee performance in State Corporations in Nairobi County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to assess the effect of religious diversity on employee performance in State Corporations in Nairobi County and to examine the effect of age diversity on employee performance in State Corporations in Nairobi County. The study was guided by two theories; social identity theory and similarity-attraction theory. This study employed descriptive research design. The target population of this study is 166 respondents comprising of human resources managers, Finance, Supply Chain, ICT and Legal managers working with selected State Corporations in Nairobi County. This study used a census method whereby all the 166 respondents were considered for the research. Primary data was collected by use of a questionnaire. A pilot study was conducted with 10% of the sample hence 16 management staff. The study used content and construct validity. Reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The collected data was organized and prepared for analysis by coding with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis. Data was presented through use of tables and figures. The study concludes that religious diversity has a positive and significant effect on employee performance in State Corporations in Nairobi County. The study also concludes that age diversity has a positive and significant effect on employee performance in State Corporations in Nairobi County. From the findings, the study recommends that the management of state corporations should continue promoting an inclusive workplace culture that embraces religious diversity. In addition, the management should develop and implement gender training programs that focus on raising awareness about gender diversity, promoting inclusivity, and addressing unconscious biases.

Key Words: Workforce Diversity, Employee Performance, Religious Diversity and Age Diversity


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