Influence of Organizational Structure on the Performance of Electrical Installation Works in Kapenguria Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

The determination of this study was to investigate influence of organizational structure on performance of electrical installation works in Kapenguria Sub-County, West Pokot County. The study was necessitated by the need to understand why most electrical installation projects either stall or are completed without meeting the set time and budget requirements. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of organizational structure on performance of electrical installation works. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Population census was applied to have all the 137 officials working at the Ministry of Public Works Transport and Infrastructure participate in the study. On the other hand, simple random sampling technique was employed to select 9 contractors from a population of 46 building and construction contractors, specifically electrical installation contractors prequalified by the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Infrastructure. Questionnaires were administered to the ministry officials whereas; interview guides were used to gather data from construction contractors. A pilot study was conducted on a few selected but similar respondents to pre-test the research instruments for validity and accuracy. Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.80 was obtained indicating that the questionnaire was highly reliable. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS software and content analysis used to analyze qualitative data.. The finding revealed that there is a significant influence, at P<0.05, of organizational structure indicators on electrical installations except for the indicator stating that there is a clear and well-established chain of command in the ministry at 0.368. The study concludes that organizational structure to greatly impact the performance of electrical installation works. Furthermore, organizational structure is important on performance of electrical installation works. Therefore, there should be introduction of decision-making processes that is all inclusive and does not sideline any party. The researcher recommends that organizations should invest in proper forms of organization structure that meet set objectives and most importantly, that there should be proper communication between the workers, the ministry and top management of the organization for easy changes when needed and proper monitoring and evaluation done on communication channels. Finally, a similar study should be done on other infrastructural projects such as roads construction, water and sanitation projects.