Working Conditions and Employee Performance of Kinyara Sugar Works Limited in Masindi District, Uganda

ABSTRACT This study particularly examined the effect of working conditions on employee performance at Kinyara Sugar Works Limited (KSWL) in Masindi District. This was guided by specific objectives which include; i) to find out the working conditions of the employees; ii) to find out other factors affecting the employee work, and iii) to establish the significant relationship between working conditions and employee performance. The study used the correlational research design to determine the relationship between working conditions in particular and employee performance at KSWL. The study is both quantitive and qualitative. It involved the use of questionnaires and interviews for data collection from the sample size of 341 respondents which was selected from a population size of 2287. Particularly to substantiate the short comings of the work place condition of job performance in KSWL an observation by Wehrich et al (1990) can be a suitable example, working conditions have negative impact because they de-motivate or increase stress levels of employees towards work and hence performance is compromised. Research evidence shows that the working conditions, mainly instituitonalfactors at the comapny are commonly fairly favourable to the employees especially among the subordinate staff. Among the condtions ascertained include employee remuneration and benefits, The majority of the employees were fairly satisfied. The findings concluded that the hypothesis was rejected thus indicating that there is a significant relationship between working conditions and employee performance which is in line with the findings of Wehrich et al (1990). It was thus recommended that employee performance would significantly improve with improved working conditions. That is to say employee motivation and organisational plan are to take the first priority.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

Declaration A

Declaration B ii

Approval Sheet iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

Abstract vi

Table of Contents vii

List of Tables x

List of Acronyms xi

One THEPROBLEMANDITSSCOPE 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 4

Purpose of the Study 5

Objectives of the Study 5

Research Questions 5

Null Hypothesis 6

Scope of the Study 6

Significance of the Study 7

Operational Definitions of Terms 9

Two REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 10

Theoretical Frame Work 10

Concepts, Ideas, Opinions from Authors/ Experts 10

Other Factors Affecting Employees 28

Three RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 37

vii

Research Design 37

Research Population 37

Sampling Procedure 39

Sample Size 38

Research Instrument 39

Validity and Reliability of the instrument 40

Data Gathering Procedures 41

Data Analysis 41

Ethical Considerations 42

Limitations of the Study 42

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA 43

Five FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STUDY 50

Discussion of the findings 49

Conclusion 53

Recommendations 55

REFERENCES 58

APPEN DICES

Appendix A: Transmittal Letter 61

Appendix B: Informed Consent 62

Appendix C: Questionnaire For Surbordinate Staff 63

Appendix D Reliability Test 68

Appendix E: A map of Uganda showing Masindi district 69

Researcher’s Curricullum Vitae 71