Title:
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ETHNIC DIVERSITY AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN WESTERN KENYA

Authors:
Wycliffe Mande,Richard Misigo Imbambi ,Ngonga E. Aketch and Leon Awiti ,Kenya

Abstract:
The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between ethnic diversity and employee performance in public universities in Western Kenya. The study was guided by positivism research philosophy and descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population included the chairpersons of departments of the four public universities in Western Kenya. A census of all the head of departments was conducted and primary data was collected using questionnaires pre tested for validity and reliability. Secondary data was collected from university documents and relevant publications in referred journals. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Correlation and regression analysis were used to investigate the relationships between hypothesized variables. Out of the 120 questionnaires sent out, 93 questionnaires were received giving a return rate of 78%. Correlation and regression analysis established a statistically significant positive relationship between ethnic diversity variable and employee performance. The conclusion drawn from the study findings is that ethnic diversity positively influences employee performance in public universities in Western Kenya and majority of the employees in public universities are positive about ethnic diversity practices in their institutions. The study further recommends that public universities in Western Kenya should enhance ethnic diversity initiatives specifically in respecting employees’ custom, culture and values