Enhancing Good Governance through Employee Relations: The Role of HRM in National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions in Kenya

Dr. Millicent A. Mboya

Abstract


Effective governance is a prerequisite for establishing the integrated policymaking capacity needed to drive sustainable development in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. Despite its role in national economic transformation, TVET operations and management are often not properly mainstreamed. This study sought to enhance good governance through employee relations by assessing the role of Human Resource Management in National TVET Institutions in Kenya. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of organizational justice, grievance handling, and employee trust on good governance. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted across all 23 national polytechnics in Kenya. The unit of observation comprised TVET principals, selected tutors, and students. Utilizing the Slovin’s formula, a sample size of approximately 311 respondents was determined. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, and a pilot study was conducted to ensure data validity and reliability. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the collected data. The study concludes that organizational justice, grievance handling, and employee trust each have a positive and significant influence on good governance in Kenyan TVET institutions. Based on these findings, the study recommends that TVET management prioritize fairness, transparency, and consistency in decision-making. Establishing clear policies, providing timely and honest communication, and allowing stakeholders to voice concerns will foster a culture of trust and accountability. Furthermore, institutions should establish clear, accessible, and transparent grievance redress mechanisms, ensuring that both staff and students can report issues easily and without fear of retaliation.

Keywords: Organizational Justice, Grievance Handling, Employee Trust, Good Governance, TVET Institutions In Kenya


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