Effects of change on employee performance in organizations

Abstract

Change is an inevitable part of business; however, for some it is an easier process to deal with than it is for others. When a change is introduced, employees often resist it and the status quo becomes disrupt which can have some negative effects for the organization. The research was limited to higher learning institutions in Kenya and specifically Africa Nazarene University with objective to understand effects of change on employee performance. The findings of this study will help management of higher learning organizations to identify the fundamental effects of change which might affect employee performance and employ them towards achieving its goals and objectives. This research used descriptive research methods to collect data. The target population of interest was 250 employees who are working in different levels namely; top level management, middle level management and support staff of management in Africa Nazarene University. Stratified random sampling was used to get the sample size of the study and it involved dividing population into homogenous subgroups and then taking a sample in each subgroup. The main tool for collecting data was the questionnaires which were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative technique. The study discovered that 67% of the respondents agreed that they have experienced change in the organization and 34% of the total respondents indicated fear of loss of job is the main change which is likely to have more effect on employees in an organization. The study also stated that 33% of the total respondents noted that change in management is the cause of change in an organization and 38% of the respondents stated that reengineering processes is the best level of organizational change that best describes organization. The study recommended that proper working environment and adequate rewards and bonuses should be considered in the organization especially whenever management introduces a change in the organization. Management must fully involve all the stakeholders of the organization whenever a change is introduced in the organization. The study further recommended that employees should be given more significant say when a change is being introduced in the organization as this will promote self assessment and a sense of responsibility thus making their jobs more productive.