HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF EMPLO YEES IN AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

The purpose of this study was to evaluate HRM practices affecting employees in the Agricultural Sector. The study specifically sought to establish how HRM practices are integrated in Kenya Agriculture Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) – Katumani in Machakos County. It also examined the benefits of HRM practices in the agriculture sector as well as the challenges facing the managers when employing HRM practices. The study was guided by the theory of HRM as proposed.The target population was 220 employees and the management staff drawn from the four departments namely; Human resource, ICT, Research and production and field services. To obtain employees who participated in the study from each department, simple random sampling was applied to select 80 employees out of 220 Purposive sampling was used in order to include the managers or Heads of Departments while simple random sampling was applied to select the employees who participated in the research study. The researcher used questionnaire, and interview methods to collect data. Further, data analysis was done using descriptive statistical techniques such as calculations of means, frequencies, percentages and tables. Information collected through interview schedules was analyzed qualitatively. The study established that majority of the respondents were issued with letters of appointments to occupy their current positions in the organization. Many respondents said that the organization practiced free and fair recruitment and selection process. There were chances of promotion to higher positions in the organization. The organization carried out orientation and induction to its newly recruited staff. The study findings revealed that the organization indeed value employee training. The institution did not in any way carter for the cost of training of the employees. The management created open and comfortable working conditions. The study established that most employees have never been rewarded whatsoever since joining the institution. The respondents rated the reward system in the organization as ineffective. The study findings revealed that the organization did not provide any form of motivation to its employees in order to enhance their performance. The study further recommended that the organization should invest on providing training to its employees to enhance their performance. It also recommended that the organization should develop recognition and reward system for its employees. Finally, the study recommended that the organization should adopt employee motivation as a strategy to enhance their performance.