Influence of cultural modernisation on employee performance: A case of Nakuru lands offices in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine how cultural modernization has influenced employees' performance at the Nakuru Lands Offices. Various modernization programs have been undertaken among Kenyan public institutions with the view of improving employee performance. In the Ministry of Lands, various modernization initiatives have been implemented while others are ongoing. This study utilized the descriptive research design and targeted 56 operations employees and 6 heads of departments (HODs) at the Nakuru Lands Offices.  Data was collected using structured questionnaires from all the 56 operations employees. Data was also collected through semi-structured interviews with all the six HODs at Nakuru Land Office. Quantitative data collected using questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while the qualitative data collected through interviews was analyzed using the thematic technique. Results showed that the Nakuru Land Offices had made remarkable progress in terms of cultural modernization (score=82.9%). Pearson correlation analysis showed that cultural modernization (r= 0.509, sig=.000) has a positive and statistically significant association with employees' performance. This relationship was also supported by regression analysis results (?= .537, sig= .007). The study recommends that to significantly improve the level of employees' performance, the management at the Nakuru Land Office should cultivate a culture that supports employees' learning and growth and develop strategies for increasing organizational commitment among staff.