Browsing by Author "Odhiambo, Erick O."

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    Human capital management practices and employee engagement in private universities in Nairobi, Kenya
    (KCA University, 2025) Odhiambo, Erick O.
    This study examines the impact of Human Capital Management (HCM) practices on employee engagement within private universities in Nairobi, Kenya. It focuses on five key HCM dimensions: recruitment processes, performance appraisal, work-life balance, career management, and reward management. Grounded in the Human Capital Theory, Social Exchange Theory, and Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, the research highlights the significance of investing in employee development, reciprocal employer-employee relationships, and balancing job demands with resources to enhance engagement. The study targeted 930 academic and administrative staff across three selected private universities—KCA University, Kenya Methodist University, and Mount Kenya University. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire, pilot-tested for reliability and validity, while secondary data were sourced from relevant academic literature. A stratified random sample of 280 respondents was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between HCM practices and employee engagement. Results revealed that recruitment practices (β = 0.237, p = 0.000), work-life balance (β = 0.116, p = 0.000), reward management (β = 0.492, p = 0.000), and performance appraisal (β = 0.281, p = 0.000) all significantly enhanced employee engagement. Recruitment strategies aligning candidate values with institutional culture fostered belonging and engagement, while effective performance appraisal systems emphasizing feedback and goal setting improved motivation and morale. Additionally, organizations that promoted career development and work-life balance reported higher employee commitment and engagement levels. The study concludes that private universities should make recruitment decisions based on competency, adopt diverse performance evaluation methods, provide regular feedback, support career development, and implement flexible work arrangements. Such comprehensive HCM strategies can significantly strengthen employee engagement, leading to improved institutional performance and competitive advantage.