Effect of Team Building on Economic Development in Makueni County, Kenya

Abstract

Leadership and team building remain the key pillars to economic development and better service delivery in different countries, organizations and institutions. Kenya’s quest to be the leading middle economy county in East Africa by 2025 must be propelled by good governance and leadership. The study also sought to examine the effect of team building on economic development in Makueni County. This study used a descriptive research design. The target group of interest was the 111 employees working in County Executive committee, ward administration, department of finance and socialeconomic planning, department of agriculture, department of health services, department of trade, tourism and cooperative development, department of road, transport and public works and department of water and sanitation in Makueni county. The sample size was determined using stratified random sampling technique to select 33 participants. This study used primary data which was collected by use of semi-structured questionnaires. A pilot test was conducted to test the reliability and validity of the data collection instruments. Thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data, that is, data collected from open ended questions and the results were presented in a prose form. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of statistical software known as Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive statistics included percentage, frequencies and measurement of mean as well as measurement of dispersion. Pearson’s Correlation analysis(r) and multivariate regression analysis were used to test the relationship between variables. The study established that team building has a positive and significant influence on economic development in Makueni County. In addition, team training, interpersonal-relations and setting goals influence the economic development of Makueni County. The study recommends that the county government should formulate and implement effective and well-functioning training plan to ensure the county employees are equipped will relevant skills hence improving their productivity.