Human resource for health is considered essential to the production, delivery and provision of quality health care services. However, Kenya, like other countries in Africa, faces a challenge with its healthcare human resource as most of its trained employees are moving to developed countries. The general objective of this study was to establish the influence of organizational climate on employee performance at public hospitals in Makueni County, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to assess effects of working conditions, interpersonal relationships and incentives on performance of employees. Accordingly, a descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population was the 837 employees at public hospitals in Makueni County. The study selected a sample of 270 respondents using stratified random sampling method. Data collection was via a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data and the findings presented in tables and figures. Qualitative data analsysis was by use of content analysis. The study also determined the direction and strength of the relationship between independent and dependent variables through correlation and regression analysis.
The study found that working conditions, interpersonal relationships, and incentives had a positive and statistically critical impact on employee performance. The study also found that changes in working conditions, interpersonal relations and incentives affects middle level management more, followed by members of staff and lastly top-level management. Additionally, hierarchical level was established to have a positive moderating influence on the relationship between organizational climate and employee performance at public hospitals.
Based on the above findings, our recommendations are that the administration of public hospitals should ensure that they provide employees with conducive working environment. This includes ensuring that they have enough working space and amenities. Hospitals may also consider regularizing activities that can help improve interpersonal relations such as team building. This study had several limitations: the study focused on a single county; the study focused on only three aspects of organizational climate; not all factors affecting performance were explored. Further studies that address these limitations are therefore recommended.