Welfare Practices and Teachers’ Performance in Private Primary Schools in Bomet County, Kenya

Abstract

Despite the use of various welfare programs including support programs, housing, provision of meals and work conditions, teacher’s performance in private primary schools is still very low. The research sought to evaluate influence of welfare activity and performance of teachers in private primary schools located in Bomet County. Specific objectives sought to examine on impact of housing provision, social support programs, staff motivation programs and work environment on teacher’s performance of different private-owned primary schools within Bomet County. Additionally, the study was driven by functional theory of labor welfare, Fredrick Herzberg Two Factor theory, Abraham Maslow’s need Hierarchy theory and also expectancy theory. Moreover, descriptive research design was used in this research. Study population was 132 privately-owned primaryIschools in Bomet County. Stratified random sampling technique was employed in selecting 99 schools out of 132 schools. Both primary and secondary data was used. Secondary data on teacher’s performance was obtained from performance appraisal reports in the private primary schools whileIsemi structured questionnairesIwereIused in the collection of primary data. Assessment of the reliability as well as validity of research tool was done through a pilot test. The research tool generated both quantitative as well as qualitative data. Thematic analysis was utilized to analyze all qualitative data after which findings were presented in form of narrative. Further, quantitative data analysis was performed using bothIdescriptive and also inferential statisticsIwith helpIof statistical softwareIknown as the statisticalIpackage for socialIsciences. PresentationIof results were done in tables and figuresIsuch as barIcharts and pieIcharts. The relationship betweenIthe dependent variableIand the independentIvariable was established through correlation and regression analysis. The survey indicated that housing provision has positive as well as significant impact on performance of teachers amid private primary schools. Study found that social support programs have positive significant impact on teacher’s performance in private primary schools. The study further revealed that staff motivation programs have positive as well as significant impact on teacher’s performance in private primary schools. The study further revealed that work environment has a positive and significant influence on teacher’s performance in private primary schools. The study recommends that the management of private primary schools should provide adequate housing for the teachers in the schools. The management of the private primary schools should ensure adequate provision of water by using piped water, drilling of a borehole or collecting and storing of the rain water. The study also recommends the establishment of counseling department for teachers working in private primary school within Bomet County. Also this research recommends that the schools ought to start hiring counselors to advice teachers on social matters so as to improve their morale and productivity in their schools. Also, private primary schools in Bomet County should start arranging academic tours for the teachers and install televisions and provide well equipped gymnastic rooms for teachers.