AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORK ENVIRONMENT PRACTICES AND EMPLOYEE RETENTION IN INTERNATIONAL NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN NAIROBI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between workplace environment practices and employee retention in selected International Non-Governmental Organizations in Nairobi County.

Methodology: This study adopted a descriptive survey design. The sampling frame was the listing of staff in 93 International Non-Governmental Organizations that were selected using a simple random sampling method from the 1,252 INGO’s with offices in Nairobi County. Purposive sampling was used to select 120 staff from the 93 INGOs who participated in the study. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect primary data while secondary was collected through a review of published literature such as annual INGO reports, journal articles and published theses. Data analysis involved preparation of the collected data - coding, editing and cleaning of data in readiness for processing using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) package version 24.0. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to measure consistency and content validity. Quantitative data was analyzed using detailed statistics that include mean, standard deviation as well as the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 24 and Microsoft Excel. Qualitative data was evaluated and analyzed using content analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between the independent and dependent variables and information obtained from the study presented using graphs, charts, written text and tables. 

Results: Internal promotion plans, mentoring programs, management support, effective career development policy, proper individual performance management, practical on-the-job training, effective organizational training policy, flexible leave plans, job sharing and job scheduling practices strongly influence the intention of the respondents to stay with their employers. More work needs to be done to improve succession planning, career break practices and the overall effectiveness of the work life balance policy.