The Effect of Psychological Climate on Employee Performance in Government Ministries, Nandi county, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of psychological climate on employee performance. The theory informing the study was content theories. 

Material/methods; explanatory research design was adopted. The target population comprised employees from the ministries in Nandi county totaling 240, the sample size of 144 employees were selected using stratified random sampling. Primary data was collected by use of structured questionnaire. Data analysis comprised both descriptive statistics in particular frequencies and percentages, and inferential statistics which included correlation analysis which was used to test the direct relationship between key variables. Regression analysis was utilized to test hypotheses. The coefficient was calculated for the relationship between psychological climate and employee performance.

Findings: Study findings showed that the psychological climate has a positive and significant effect on job performance. However, despite the existence of positive relationship, there were gaps identified in terms of the management not being able to recognize the effort and contribution of their workers and in terms of low trust levels between workers and their superiors. 

Conclusion: The study hence recommends that there is need for government ministries to consider the perception of employees about their work environment by putting in place better and positive psychological climate which will enhance employee performance.  this include: having flexible works schedules for employees, where possible delegate duties to them and ensure that employees ideas are taken into consideration. Also, the management needs to clearly define the roles of employees and ensure that they understand their work responsibility. Besides, organizations should see to it that their employees feel useful in their job and can freely express themselves