Influence of Employee Engagement on Employee Performance at the Cooperative Bank of Kenya

Abstract

Recently, the concept of employee engagement has gained global recognition as a crucial element for organizations seeking to foster commitment among their workforce and achieve optimal performance. This research aimed to assess how employee engagement influences performance at the Cooperative Bank of Kenya. The study utilized a cross-sectional research design, focusing on the bank's headquarters in Nairobi County. Estimated or targeted number of employees were the ones working at head office approximately one thousand and six hundred (1600) working in the Business banking, Retail Banking, Operations, Credit management, Finance, Compliance, IT and systems and human Resources departments respectively. The study will specifically sample 10% of the entire population arriving at a sample size of 160 possible respondents. Primary data was gathered exclusively through a structured questionnaire. Following data collection, the researcher meticulously reviewed the questionnaires for completeness and consistency. Subsequent data processing involved editing, coding, and organizing responses to identify anomalies and assign numerical values for detailed analysis. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive methods, employing SPSS version 24.0. This included interpreting percentages, frequencies, mean scores, and standard deviations, presented visually through tables and graphs for clarity and comparison. The quantitative findings offered insights via tabulations, percentages, and measures of central tendency. Furthermore, inferential statistics were applied to explore deeper relationships between variables. The study concluded with comprehensive conclusions and practical recommendations based on the findings derived from the data analysis. The study concluded that the employees actively contributed their intellectual skills and knowledge to problem-solving and decision-making processes within the organization, they demonstrated a high level of critical thinking and analytical skills at Cooperative Bank, they exhibited a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional development and that they aligned their individual goals with the organization's strategic objectives geared towards performance at the cooperative bank of Kenya to a great extent. The study concluded that the staff maintained a positive and optimistic attitude, even in challenging situations, they feel a strong sense of belonging within the organization, they demonstrate empathy toward their colleagues and that employees invest emotionally in their work, displaying a genuine passion for what they do which has influenced the performance of cooperative bank of Kenya to a great extent. The study concluded that employed staff/employees actively participate in workplace activities, they prioritize their physical well-being by maintaining healthy work habits, they prioritize safety measures in the workplace and that they exhibit high levels of energy and endurance in their physical contributions to work an aspect which has enhanced the performance of equity bank to a great extent altogether. As a matter of performance experience at cooperative bank; they believe that the performance expectations set for them are clear and aligned with the goals of the organization, they consistently deliver highquality work that meets or exceeds established standards and expectations, they demonstrate a high level of adaptability and effectively solve problems when faced with challenges or changes in their work environment and that they actively collaborate with team members, contribute to a positive team culture, and work effectively towards shared goals. This study recommends that the management at cooperative bank or other similar institutions embrace and enrich the aspect of cognition whereby they can enhance the employees’ skills and knowledge areas as well as sponsoring trainings. This study recommends that the management at cooperative bank embrace emotional recognition to a more standardized way for it was found to be done to the average. This study recommends the cooperative bank management to continue with the motive as well as seek extra means of physical engagement criteria to maximize on the same.