Factors Affecting Industrial Relations in Kenya Power and Lighting Company Limited

Abstract

Harmonious relationship between management and workers must exist if the company is to meet its corporate objectives. Harmonious relationship ensures industrial peace, avoid strike, lock out and increase production. KPLC is no exceptional. It is in the interest of both the workers and management that good industrial relations are maintained. Society as a whole is also benefited. Good human relation creates an atmosphere in which positive attitude and motivation develop. Such good relation must exist among management and group of workers on one hand and management and individual workers on the other. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors affecting industrial relations at KPLC. Case study design was used since the population of the study was small. The study used questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings were interpreted and inferences made and presented using tables. The objective of the study was to establish the factors that affect industrial relations at KPLC. The study found out that the major factor affecting industrial relations was economic satisfaction of the workers. Other factors included negotiation skills of the management and union representatives, the trade union, attitude of both management and workers, social and psychological satisfaction, education background of the workers and public policy and legislation. The study also found out that the respondents were satisfied with most of the industrial relations processes apart from the dispute handling procedure, the role of government in enhancing industrial relations issues and training of industrial relations issues.