The Influence Of Human Resource Practices On Performance Of Faith Based Health Facilities In Kajiado County

ABSTRACT

The role of the Human Resource Management function in many health care facilities in Kenya is in disarray. The shortage of health workers reveals challenges with recruitment, training and workforce planning. Rural areas in Kenya are mainly occupied by people from low income backgrounds. It is challenging for such people to access mainstream healthcare facilities due to their low income. Some rural areas are very remote making it difficult for people within the areas to access healthcare facilities. In order to address the staffing gaps and ongoing workforce shortages in the health sector and faith based hospitals, there is need to deliberately focus on sound human resource practices as health workers are a key human resource required to save lives. Kajiado County has the highest number of faith based health facilities which are located in the remote areas of the County and mostly experience human resource challenges. This study sought to establish the influence of human resource practices on performance of faith based health facilities in Kajiado County. This research problem was studied through the use of a descriptive survey design. The target population of the study was 86 health workers in Five (5) Faith Based Health facilities in Kajiado County. Using Fischer formula, the study sampled 70 respondents who were used in the study. The questionnaire was selected instrument or tool for data collection for the study. The researcher used trained research assistants to administer the questionnaires to all the respondents of the study. Quantitative data collected was analysed by the use of descriptive statistics such as percentages, means, standard deviations and frequencies. Qualitative data or aspect of the data collected from the open-ended questions was analysed using SPSS while Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between the study variable. The study established that recruitment and selection, staff training, staff reward management and career development positively influences the performance of faith based health facilities in Kajiado County. The study recommends the management of faith based health facilities should consider organizing for training and seminars for the employees as this will help to increase employee skills, loyalty and competence making them more willing to work harder for the success of the institution. The study also recommends that the management of faith based health facilities should consider instituting orientation programs during induction as this will help the new employees to learn on organizational policies, how the organization works thus speeding up the time it takes for them to become productive members of the organization. The study further recommends the faith based health facilities management to remain focused on developing the career path of its employees. This will boost the morale and ultimately the productivity of staff.