Workplace Environment and Employee Performance in Private Registered Security Firms in Kenya

Abstract

Security is fundamental in all societies. It ensures that society thrives due to the assurance of the safety of lives and property. Nevertheless, employee performance in private security firms is Kenya is facing numerous workplace related challenges. Therefore, this study sought to assess the effect of workplace environment on employee performance in registered private security firms in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to determine the effect of workplace ergonomics on employee performance in private security firms in Kenya, to assess the effect of supervisor support on employee performance in private security firms in Kenya, to establish the effect of organizational culture on employee performance in private security firms in Kenya, to determine the effect of workplace reward on employee performance in private security firms in Kenya and to establish the moderating role of policy framework on the relationship between the workplace environment and employee performance in private security firms in Kenya. The study utilized positivism research approach. To carry out the study, a mixed research design comprising descriptive and correlation research design was adopted.an explanatory research design was used. To obtain a comprehensive view of the workplace environment in the private security firms in Kenya, covered a stratified simple random sample of 224 respondents which was drawn from a target was used in the first stage to ensure all subgroups were represented; simple random sampling was applied in the second stage. The study population was 13,484 in the study participants were members of Kenya Security Industry Association (KSIA) and Protective Security Industry Association (PSIA). The two institutions were a good representation since they had more established systems unlike other upcoming ones. The sample size was 224 respondents drawn from the two institutions. Questionnaires were used as instruments for obtaining the data required. Validity and reliability of the questionnaire were enhanced by carrying out a pilot study prior to data collection. Cronbach’s Alpha was used to test for reliability of the research instrument. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to establish and explain the influence of workplace environment on employee performance through SPSS. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics namely frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. A correlation and regression analysis revealed that workplace ergonomics, supervisor support, organizational culture, and workplace reward all have a positive and significant influence on employee performance in registered private security firms in Kenya. The joint model showed a strong predictive power (R² = 0.806), indicating that 80.6% of the variance in employee performance is explained by these workplace factors. Additionally, the moderating effect analysis demonstrated that the policy framework significantly strengthens the relationship between workplace environment factors and employee performance, enhancing overall organizational effectiveness. The study recommends improving ergonomics, supervisor support, organizational culture, and reward systems guided by a strong policy framework to enhance employee performance in Kenya’s private security firms. It applies Herzberg’s Two-Factor and Expectancy Theories to explain how these factors drive motivation and performance. Policy collaboration between government and firms is encouraged to uphold workplace standards. Overall, it advances Human Resource Management by offering practical and theoretical insights to optimize performance in the private security sector.