An Analysis of the Factors Affecting Employee Relations in the Flower Industry in Kenya, a Case of Waridi Ltd, Athi River
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Date
2014-10
Authors
Odhong’, Emily Atieno
Omolo, Jacob
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Center for Promoting Ideas, USA
Abstract
Despite impressive performance and contribution to national economy, the flower industry in Kenya is still faced
with decent work deficits. These could be manifested in the terms and conditions of employment leading to
industrial unrest in organizations within the flower industry. Trade Union membership has been shown to be low,
with membership in the main union at just 17% of the total number of workers in flower farms. The effect of weak
employee and industrial relations system and practice is manifested in the increase in the spate of industrial
strikes and attendant man-days lost. The number of man-days lost due to industrial strikes almost doubled from
14,806 man-days in 2008 to 25,504 man-days in 2010. This, however, increased tremendously by about sevenfold
to 175,329 in 2011. Other effects are seen in declining labour productivity in all sectors of the country’s economy,
increasing unit labour cost and low levels of competitiveness. Kenya’s labour productivity growth has, for
example, declined from 4 per cent in 2007 to 1.4 per cent in 2012. This paper sought to analyze factors affecting
employee relations in organizations in Kenya, the case study of Waridi Ltd. Study variables included working
conditions, communication, collective bargaining issues, recruitment and remuneration. The study adopted
descriptive research design and a target population of 420. Stratified random sampling was done. Questionnaires
were used to collect primary data. Qualitative and quantitative techniques of data analysis were employed. Based
on the study findings, it is concluded that free communication and information flow is important in promoting
employee relations. Collective bargaining provides the structure for clear job description and work performance.
Overall, employee relation concepts such as employee trust, the manner in which employee complaints are dealt
with, commitment to the organization, genuine social dialogue and existence of team spirit are fundamental in
promoting good employee relations.
Description
A Research Article in the International Journal of Business and Social Science
Keywords
Employee relations, Collective Bargaining Agreement, Communication, Working conditions
Citation
Odhong, E. A., & Omolo, J. (2014). An analysis of the factors affecting employee relations in the flower industry in Kenya, a case of Waridi ltd, Athi River. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 5(11).