Recreational Practices and Employee Performance in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Kenya

Abstract

Employee welfare practices in organizations, which involve offering various recreational programs in the workplace, are crucial for enhancing motivation and increasing performance among staff members. Therefore, the primary aim of this research was to determine the relationship between recreational activities and employee performance in Kenya while also considering the moderating influence of top management commitment on employee performance. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey approach that incorporated both qualitative and quantitative methods. The research population consisted of 14,323 NGO employees in Nairobi County, Kenya, with 403 participants, including top managers, middle-level managers, and lower-level managers. The selection of respondents was done through stratified, simple random, and purposive sampling techniques. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, while secondary data were obtained from peer-reviewed books, articles, and journals. The study was grounded in relevant theories such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Herzberg's two-factor theory, and Human Relations Theory. A pilot study was conducted to ensure the reliability and validity of the research tools. Data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences, version 25, with inferential and descriptive statistics, including frequencies, means, correlations, and multiple linear regression. The findings of the study were presented through pie charts, graphs, and tables. The results indicated a positive and significant relationship between recreational practices like staff parties, team building, and sports events and employee performance. Moreover, it was found that top management's communication, policy development, and budget allocation significantly moderated the relationship between recreational practices and employee performance. Additionally, a linear relationship was observed between the independent and dependent variables. In conclusion, the study emphasized the importance of recreational practices in enhancing employee performance, especially when supported by top management commitment.