Many scholars, practitioners and experts in the field of human resource management agree on the existence of a phenomenon where the political environment directly affects human capital sourcing in Kenya. The phenomenon is especially pronounced in the civil service structure where many human resource positions are influenced by various politically-influenced factors. Akong'o Dimba stated how political influences created by the ruling party in Kenya as well as the opposition affected the process of sourcing for human capital.
Additionally, Kimenyi, reiterated the presence of distinct political influences operating on tribal lines based on the tribal disposition of Kenya’s ruling party in the face of its main opposition. These influences, according to this research, continue to affect the processes associated with human resources development where certain tribes cannot get employment in certain areas due to these political issues.
More on the issue emerges in the form of subtle tribalism where the current political environment in Kenya seems to have pitted the Kikuyu against the Luo communities from the perspective of Jubilee party and Orange Democratic Movement. Consequently, as demonstrated by Ng’ang’a Njuguna, these issues seem to have permeated into the Counties after devolution. Based on the distinct political influences created by the current political climate in Kenya, sourcing of human capital has suffered from the negativities of tribalism and other biases. Nyambegera also identified that most of the regions in Kenya have experienced problems associated with sourcing human capital brought about by the existence of, and the alignment with political parties and their ruling figures’ tribal affiliations.
Omwoha stated the seriousness of the problem when her research finding exposed the hardships some parts of the country experience when sourcing human capital. Although the role the media continues to play in propagating the rift between the two main parties is significant to the issue, politics have been identified as the main source of hardships when sourcing for human resources at the county level in the country. Although the issue continues to benefit from ongoing research, the stage has already been set for significant attention to be directed towards the role of politics on human capital dynamics at the county level in Kenya.
Table of Contents
- Background to the Study
- Statement of the Problem
- Objectives of the Study
- Questions and/or hypotheses
- Literature Review
- Conceptual Framework
- Proposed Research Design, Methods and variables
Objectives and Key Themes
This study aims to reiterate the existence of political influence on human capital sourcing in Kenya and to focus on the role these influences play at the county level. The research uses Nairobi County as a case study due to its diverse political and tribal representation. The study employs a qualitative methodology with a sample size of 1000 individuals to investigate the impact of political affiliations on employment opportunities.
- The influence of political affiliations on human capital sourcing in Kenya.
- The role of tribalism and political biases in employment practices at the county level.
- The impact of devolution on the dynamics of human capital sourcing.
- The effectiveness of current human resource practices in addressing political influences.
- The relationship between political attitudes and employment outcomes in Nairobi County.
Chapter Summaries
Background to the Study: This chapter establishes the context of the research by outlining existing scholarship on the impact of political influence on human capital sourcing in Kenya. It highlights how political affiliations, often along tribal lines, affect employment opportunities. The chapter cites several researchers who have documented this phenomenon, emphasizing the negative consequences of political interference in human resource management, particularly since the introduction of devolution. Examples of the cited research reveal a pattern of bias and discrimination based on tribal affiliations linked to specific political parties.
Statement of the Problem: This section identifies the research gap concerning the impact of political influence on human capital sourcing specifically within Kenyan counties post-devolution. While prior research has explored the broader issue, this study focuses on the unique challenges arising from the decentralized political landscape. The chapter argues that the existing political climate, characterized by tribal affiliations of political parties, hinders efficient county development agendas. The problem statement sets the stage for an in-depth investigation into the extent to which political influences shape employment opportunities at the county level.
Objectives of the Study: This chapter clearly outlines the study's objectives: to reiterate the impact of political influence on human capital sourcing in Kenya and to specifically examine this impact at the county level. The choice of Nairobi County as the study area is justified by its diverse political and tribal representation, enabling a more comprehensive and unbiased analysis. The methodology involves a sample size of 1000 individuals, aiming to provide a robust data set for examining the research questions.
Questions and/or hypotheses: This chapter lays out the central research questions guiding the study. The primary question addresses whether political influence significantly affects human capital sourcing. A secondary question explores the specific roles these influences play at the county level. These questions form the basis for data collection and analysis within the study, focusing on the relationship between political factors and employment outcomes.
Literature Review: This chapter reviews existing literature on human capital theory, focusing on its application to the Kenyan context. It discusses the theoretical underpinnings of the study, highlighting the contributions of various scholars who have examined the relationship between education, skills, and economic productivity. The review traces the evolution of human capital theory, examining its relevance to understanding the impact of political influences on human resource management. It sets the theoretical stage for analysis of political influences on human capital, drawing upon concepts such as investment in human capital and its relation to organizational performance.
Conceptual Framework: This chapter presents a diagrammatical representation demonstrating the relationship between human capital investment and organizational/regional performance within the Kenyan context. It outlines the variables involved in the study, clarifying the connections between political influences (independent variables), employment outcomes (dependent variables), and perceptions and attitudes (intervening variables). This framework provides a visual roadmap for understanding the complex interplay of factors influencing human capital sourcing in Nairobi County.
Proposed Research Design, Methods and variables: This chapter details the research methodology, specifying a qualitative approach supported by structured questionnaires. The selection of Nairobi County and a sample size of 1000 individuals is justified, highlighting the intended rigor and representativeness of the research. The chapter outlines the data analysis methods to be employed, including statistical techniques like correlation analysis and the use of SPSS. It clearly defines the independent, dependent, and intervening variables that will be analyzed to understand the relationships within the study.
Keywords
Political influence, human capital, sourcing, Kenya, county level, devolution, tribalism, political affiliations, employment, Nairobi County, human resource management, qualitative research, human capital theory.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this study?
This study investigates the impact of political influence on human capital sourcing in Kenya, specifically focusing on the role of political affiliations and tribalism at the county level. Nairobi County serves as a case study due to its diverse political and tribal representation.
What are the key objectives of the research?
The study aims to reiterate the existence of political influence on human capital sourcing in Kenya and to examine the specific roles these influences play at the county level. It seeks to understand how political affiliations, tribalism, and devolution impact employment opportunities.
What methodology is used in this research?
The study employs a qualitative methodology with a sample size of 1000 individuals. Data will be collected using structured questionnaires, and analysis will involve statistical techniques such as correlation analysis using SPSS.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
Key themes include the influence of political affiliations on human capital sourcing; the role of tribalism and political biases in employment practices; the impact of devolution on human capital sourcing dynamics; the effectiveness of current human resource practices in addressing political influences; and the relationship between political attitudes and employment outcomes in Nairobi County.
What are the main chapters of the study and what do they cover?
The study includes chapters on Background to the Study (establishing context and reviewing existing scholarship), Statement of the Problem (identifying the research gap), Objectives of the Study (clearly outlining the research goals), Questions and/or Hypotheses (laying out the central research questions), Literature Review (reviewing relevant human capital theory), Conceptual Framework (presenting a diagrammatical representation of variables), and Proposed Research Design, Methods and variables (detailing the research methodology).
What is the significance of Nairobi County as a case study?
Nairobi County's diverse political and tribal representation makes it an ideal location for a comprehensive and unbiased analysis of the impact of political influence on human capital sourcing. Its complexity allows for a more nuanced understanding of the issue.
What are the key variables considered in this study?
The study considers political influences (independent variables), employment outcomes (dependent variables), and perceptions and attitudes (intervening variables). The relationships between these variables will be analyzed to understand the impact of political factors on employment.
What keywords are associated with this research?
Keywords include: Political influence, human capital, sourcing, Kenya, county level, devolution, tribalism, political affiliations, employment, Nairobi County, human resource management, qualitative research, human capital theory.
What is the expected outcome of this research?
The research aims to provide a deeper understanding of how political influences shape human capital sourcing in Kenya, particularly at the county level, and potentially contribute to improved human resource management practices that mitigate the negative impacts of political interference.
- Quote paper
- Ernestoh Khomu (Author), 2016, Effects of political influence on sourcing of human capital at the county level, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/344375
