Impact of Teamwork on the Achievement of Targets in Organisations in Kenya: A Case of SOS Children’s Villages, Eldoret

Abstract

Effective teamwork has a positive influence on the performance of organizations. Organizations worldwide are striving to improve the effectiveness of their teams in order to be globally competitive. The study was carried out in SOS Children’s Villages in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. The purpose and objective of this study therefore was to establish the impact of teamwork on achievement of organizational targets in Kenya. This study adopted descriptive research design. The target population for this study was 111, comprising of management and all other employees of SOS Children’s Village, Eldoret. Using the Morgan and Krejcie Table for determining Sample Sizes, a sample size of 92 respondents was drawn from each of the category of management and the general employees using stratified random sampling technique. Stratified random sampling was used to identify respondents. The researcher used questionnaires, interviews, document reviews and observation techniques to collect data. Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. From the findings, job descriptions were found to be ambiguous and that there was responsibility overlaps in most cases, creating confusion and disagreements between employees. The study also established also that job satisfaction was to be achieved through recognition of achievement, promotions, good working environments and fair rewards and remunerations. This was to impact team performance if it was done correctly. The study also established that the employees at SOS Children’s Village in Eldoret were qualified for the various responsibilities assigned and that most had undergone extra training within and without SOS. In conclusion, there was no effective teamwork at SOS despite employees being aware of how much they can achieve by working together in teams. Clear job descriptions should be made at the point of employment and clear demarcations set for employees to know their boundaries and responsibilities. Managers of SOS equally noted that among the strategies they have in formation of teams, were to produce greater levels of performance, build reputation of the organization and offer quality services to customers in enhancing achievement of organizational targets. They felt that internal staff training on importance of teamwork, appraisal and remuneration should be conducted regularly to sensitize employees. The study suggests that research on employee – manager relationship should be carried out to verify its impact on performance. Also the study suggests research into the impact of managers’ roles on career development of employees as a form of motivation.

Keywords: Teamwork, Achievement, Targets, Organizations, skills and qualifications job satisfaction, job descriptions