MODERATING EFFECT OF MANAGEMENT STYLE ON INTERNAL COMMUNICATION AND EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT IN TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS IN KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the moderating effect of management style on the relationship between internal communication and employee engagement in technical training institutions in Kenya. The study was conducted using survey research design. Study population was all the 3780 trainers in the 102 technical institutions in Kenya out of which a sample of 360 respondents was used. Stratified random sampling, random sampling and stratified proportionate random sampling technique design were employed. A pilot test was conducted so as to correct weaknesses in design and instrumentation. Data was collected using a questionnaire which had both open and closed-ended (Likert type scale 1-5) questions. Questionnaires were distributed to 360 respondents out of which 322 completed the questionnaires giving a response rate of 89.4%. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test for internal reliability of each variable used in the study. Data analysis was done by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that management style had a moderating effect on the relationship between internal communication and employee engagement. Hence, the current study recommends that the management in these institutions should embrace favourable leadership practices such as training those in positions of leadership on best practices in communication.