Influence of Skill Inventory Diversity on Employee Productivity in Selected Departments at the Nakuru County Government, Kenya

Abstract

The general purpose of this study was to examine the influence of skill inventory diversity on employee productivity in selected departments at the Nakuru County Government. The study adapted a descriptive research design. The population of this study comprised all the 5,762 permanent employees working in the Nakuru County Government. The study used clustered sampling where a sample 152 employees were selected from two departments of the Nakuru County Government. Quantitative data was collected using structured questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interview guides. Validity was assessed by subjecting the instruments to scrutiny by university research supervisors while reliability was assessed by analysing pilot-test data using the Cronbach alpha method. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data while the independent sample t-test and linear regression analysis were used to examine the influence of skill inventory diversity on employee productivity in selected departments at NCG. Thematic analysis technique was used to analyse the qualitative data. Findings revealed that there is a high level of skill inventory diversity in the selected departments (mean rating= 76%). Regression analysis results showed that skill inventory diversity (β= .495, p= .000) had a positive and statistically significant influence on employee productivity at selected departments at NCG. The study recommends that to improve employee productivity, the management should make optimum use of the diverse skills present within the organisation to achieve the mission and vision of the organisation. The departments should also ensure that recruitment processes are designed to attract candidates with diverse skills and competencies.