Employee Work Values Orientation and Job Performance in the Motor Vehicle Industry in Kenya

Abstract

The objective of the study was to establish the relationship between employee work values orientation and employee job performance in the motor vehicle industry in Kenya. This relationship was tested using corresponding null hypotheses. The motivation for the study arose from the observation of employee performance challenges that were witnessed in the motor vehicle industry in Kenya. Literature has shown that work values orientation has been associated with employee job performance. Intrinsically oriented employees have been linked to more positive performance outcomes than extrinsically oriented employees. This study was based on the goal content theory, social exchange theory and competence motivation theory. The study had four objectives and four corresponding hypotheses that were tested to approve or disapprove the study predictions. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used in the study. The study had a population of 2,895 employees, out of which a sample of 351 respondents were randomly chosen for data collection. Data were collected by use of structured questionnaires that were dropped and picked back while others were scanned and emailed back. Data was analyzed using regression models. Test findings showed that work values orientation significantly influences employee job performance. The significant findings implied that all four null hypotheses were rejected, and the study objectives were positively determined. The study outcomes significantly contributed to the theory, policy, and practice of work values orientation and its influence on employee job performance. The limitation of the study comprised respondents' attitudes and subjectivity that may have crept in due to bias in choosing suitable responses. However, the use of structured questionnaires and supervisor responses was meant to corroborate and reduce personal or subjective ways of responding to statements posed. It was also suggested that a further study be done using similar variables on a longitudinal design for generalizability of results. Further, the study recommended that the motor vehicle industry adopts work values orientation, employee commitment and employee competence as joint factors that significantly improve employee job performance.