Employees perception of industrial action in commercial banks in Kenya

Abstract

Support of employees is paramount for organizational success. Industrial action is a form of protest by employees to push an agenda. Research finding has shown that industrial actions such as covert and overt actions are taken by employees at varying scales to express their displeasure with the management whenever they are aggrieved. It is significant for employers and employees to maintain cordial working relations in the world‟s competitive global market. The study sought to establish employees‟ perception of industrial action in Commercial Banks in Kenya. A descriptive study design was used and out of the 803 questionnaires sent out, 571 responded. The data collected was analyzed through descriptive statistics which included mean, standard deviation and percentages. Industrial action was positively perceived by most employees in Commercial Banks in Kenya as an effective way to deal with management in terms of problem solving and pressing for resolution of their issues. It is evident that most of the bank employees preferred covert industrial actions where they cannot be easily identified which perhaps give indications that bank management take ruthless measures on employees engaged in industrial strikes which are the traditionally known industrial actions in Kenya. The study recommends that banks should establish effective and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms where employees can air their grievances; embrace employee engagement platforms for enhanced understanding and satisfaction; create mechanisms to monitor how the terms of service for employees are being met. The researcher recommends further study to be done on the cause of the high prevalence of covert industrial actions such as sabotage, absenteeism, non-cooperation and go slow in Commercial Banks in Kenya.