Thesis:

Influence of human resource practices on employees Performance in public institutions. A case of electoral and Boundaries commission

Human resources has been recognized as one of the most crucial assets to organizational success. Therefore, organizations are establishing ways to create effective and efficient human resources through the implementation of evidence-based human resource practices. This research aimed to explore the influence of human resource practices on employee performance at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. The study objectives were to establish the influence of performance appraisal practices and feedback, determine the impact of comprehensive training and development, assess the effect of flexible work arrangements, and evaluate creative compensation benefits on employee performance. The study was grounded in goal setting theory, human capital theory, Hackman and Oldham Job Characteristics Theory, and expectancy theory. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a sample size of 249 employees randomly selected from the target population. Data was collected using structured questionnaires with five-point Likert scales, dichotomous questions, and open-ended questions. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Performance appraisal emerged as the strongest predictor of employee performance (β = .358, p < .001). Comprehensive training and development programs showed a significant positive relationship with employee performance (β = .182, p = .016). Flexible work arrangements showed no significant relationship with employee performance (β = -.057, p = .445), with employees expressing dissatisfaction with existing practices. Similarly, creative compensation benefits showed no significant relationship with employee performance (β = .009, p = .900), with widespread employee dissatisfaction reported. The study recommends enhancing performance appraisal systems, strengthening training initiatives, revising flexible work policies, redesigning compensation packages, and improving organizational communication to optimize human resource practices for improved employee performance.