Factors affecting motivation of staff of organisations within the sugar industry in Kenya: a case study of Mumias Sugar Company

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the motivational factors that have led to low work morale and unprofessional trends in the sugar industry employees in Kenya but focusing on Murnias sugar Company employees. Low motivation of employees was experienced recently when in a bid to down size the work force, employees willing to go were asked to apply for an early retrenchment and to astonishment of the management more than a half of them were ready to live. This was a clear indicator that most of them are not happy with their present situation. There are other unprofessional trends like theft, truancy, coupled with absenteeism that are rampant in Mumias Sugar company employees. Through this research, recommendations have been made and if put in place the fore mentioned problems amongst the Mumias Sugar Company employees will be minimized to acceptable levels if not totally eliminated. It will also help the government in general policy makers society and all stakeholders in the Sugar industry in Kenya. The target population was all the employees in Sugar industry in Kenya but the focus was be on Mumias Company employees. Two categories of staff were considered in this research sample for the purpose of collecting data and comparison. The first group comprised of managers and the other group comprised of supervisors. A total sample of 100 workers were selected using a combination of stratified sampling supported by random sampling. The data from the research was generated through the use of a questionnaire. Data was checked for accuracy and consistency of entry, spot checks were formed to ensure integrity of the data. The data was subjected to the standardized statistics analysis techniques presentation of results was devoted to descriptive statistics in form of tables and graphs which includes pie charts and bar charts. The above was done using statistical package for social science (SPSS) this helped the researcher to draw conclusions and make recommendations. It was found out that employees are demotivated and have low morale. There can be no meaningful improvement in the performance and professionalism with the such State of affairs as indicated by the research findings. For the company to get her full fruits or harvest from employees work, it should wake up and squarely face reality