An Assessment of Factors Affecting Employee Performance in Zambian Local Authorities: A Case Study of Lukulu Town Council

Abstract

Organizational performance through employee performance has been a major global concern of companies and as such various organizations have shifted focus on engineering their employee management processes. The purpose of the study was to assess factors affecting employee performance in Zambian municipalities. The study was guided by three objectives which were; to establish effects of employee motivation on employee performance; to find out the effect of working conditions on employee performance, and to establish the effect of management style on employee performance. A mixed method approach was used with questionnaire and scheduled interviews as data collection tools. A census was used to derive the total sample size of 93 employees. Stratified sampling technique was utilized where 93 respondents were administered with questionnaires while 11 respondents were selected for qualitative data collection through interviews. The study utilized a descriptive approach to quantitative data analysis through the use of SPSS while qualitative data was themed for content analysis. The study response was 97%. The results revealed that majority of the employees at 83% stated that they did not receive enough morale to achieve their tasks which depicted lack of motivation through performance management strategies and feedback. Similarly, 70% stated that they lacked a proper environment, tools, personal protective clothing, and equipment to undertake their tasks effectively and efficiently. Further, 75% stated that there was no key consultation and feedback with regards to tasks and grievances, which are a critical component for motivation and effective performance of roles and responsibilities. Employees felt discriminated which is contrary to the aspirations of the Equity Theory. The study concluded that despite setting clear organizational goals, management lacked proper merit based performance management strategies interlaced with motivation techniques, the creation of a conducive working environment through provision of requisite tools for effective performance and proper establishment of both vertical and horizontal work relationships between superiors and subordinates for effective communication. Therefore, the study strongly recommends the establishment of reward based performance management systems with measurable key performance indicators to accord feedback to the employees along with the need to invest in employee health and safety through provision of well-ventilated office space, personal protective equipment and other working tools. There must be deliberately established systems of top-bottom communication to create a sense of belonging and promote inclusiveness in decision making for employees at production level through necessary key consultations and performance feedback.