Effects of cross-cultural adaptability on organizational performance: a case study of Kenyatta University

Abstract

Effect of cross-cultural adaptability on organizational performance is extremely relevant issue in the current workplaces due to the fact that organizations are looking to achieve a diverse workforce. Though cross-cultural adaptability is a complex process, both the institution and employees must cooperate and coordinate among themselves to ensure that the process benefits the institution at large. The aims of this research study were; to find out the effect of cross-cultural adaptability on the general performance of the institution, to find out the problems brought about by cultural differences among employees and to establish strategies to help in promoting cross-cultural adaptation. To answer these aims, the research was conducted as a case study of Kenyatta University and was done in two stages; the literature review represents an introduction on the effect of cross-cultural adaptability, problems associated with cultural differences and strategies to promote cross-cultural adaptation. The second stage consisted of questionnaire based interviews where respondents were required to answer questions basing on the objectives. The study sort to use descriptive research design since both open-ended and closed-ended questions was asked on the questionnaire. The institution had more than six thousand employees and the study targeted four hundred and twelve respondents drawn from seven departments; HR, Finance and Accounts, Procurement, Planning and Development, Catering and Accommodation, ICT and Security departments. One hundred and twenty respondents were used as the sample size which was determined by the use of the Fisher’s formula of marginal error. The sampling procedures used in this study included simple random sampling and stratified random sampling. Chapter four includes analysis of the data collected and generation of results from the data. It also included discussions of the findings. Chapter five will include the summary, conclusion and recommendations concerning the topic and the suggestions for further research.