EFFECT OF WORK STRESS ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN NAROK COUNTY GOVERNMENT, NAROK COUNTY, KENYA.

Business Adminstration

Abstract Organizational factors significantly influence both institutional performance and workforce well-being. However, the Narok County Government in Kenya faces substantial organizational challenges that hinder employee performance. This purpose of this paper was to analyze the impact of work stress on employee performance within Narok County Government. The paper was anchored in Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and Expectancy Theory. A quantitative research approach was employed, targeting 5,540 staff members across 13 departments. Stratified and random sampling techniques were used to obtain a sample of 360 employees. Out of which, responses of 347 respondents were considered for analysis after data verification. Data were collected through structured questionnaires featuring Likert-scale questions and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. A cross-sectional research design was adopted, and a pilot study involving 36 staff members was conducted to ensure validity and reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha set at a minimum threshold of 0.7. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (regression and correlation analysis) were used for data analysis at a 95% confidence interval. Findings revealed work stress negatively impacted performance. The regression model indicated that the work stress had 65% of the variation in employee performance, suggesting other unexamined factors contributed to the remaining 35%. The study concludes that reducing work stress was essential for enhancing organizational productivity. The study recommends implementation of targeted stress management programs, enhancing employee relations through better communication and support structures, strengthening ethical policies, and promoting professional development opportunities. This study provides valuable insights for improving workforce management and public service delivery in Narok County and other devolved governments

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