Industrial Relations in Kenya refer to the regulations that occur in the relationship that exist between an employer and an employee in an organization. It is the study of how employees, employers and the government relate and make decisions which define and shape the employment relationship between employer and employees
Significance of good Industrial Relations in Kenya
Industrial Relations in Kenya ease supervision work among the employers.
Good relations create a good working environment among the employees.
Increases productivity of employees i.e. smooth the work will be done well.
It helps both employees and employers know what procedures to follow when there is grievances and conflict
Industrial Relations in Kenya enhances the welfare and safeguards the interest of both employers and employers i.e. salaries, compensation.
It helps in economic progress of a country.
It also leads to smooth collective bargaining in case of dispute solving.
Industrial Relations in Kenya help the government in framing and implementing labor laws.
One of the objectives of Industrial Relations in Kenya is to have peace and stability in the industries.
Another objective of Industrial Relations in Kenya is to ensure that interests of both parties are secured.
To ensure increase in productivity of organization.
To enhancing industrial democracy-employees are involved in decision making.
Industrial Relations in Kenya enhance collective bargaining.
Industrial Relations in Kenya minimize or eliminate disputes, strikes, lock outs.
Determinants of good Industrial Relations in Kenya
There are various factors that influence Industrial Relations in Kenya. They include;
- Economic Conditions,
- Institutional and Political Factors,
- Level of Education and Awareness of Employees,
- Management Styles of Organization,
- Nature of Business,
- Employee Condition and Welfare
- Negotiating Ability of Unions and Management
The first determinant of good Industrial Relations in Kenya is economic conditions. Fluctuations in economic conditions may influence industrial relations. During recessions there may be more conflicts as employees demand higher pay and employers are hesitant due to inability of the organization to increase their salaries. However during boom the situation is different because the organization is in position to meet the demands of the employees.
Institutional and Political Factors
This is another determinant of good Industrial Relations in Kenya which include government legislation, politics, trade unions, employer associational and other lobby groups such as human rights commissions that ensure that industrial climate is peaceful. The intervention of the groups or the lack of it influences industrial relations
Level of education and awareness of employees
Level of education and awareness of employees is another determinant of good Industrial Relations in Kenya. The more educated the employees are the more they will make reasonable demands concerning their welfare, conditions of employment and involvement in decision making. It is easier for management to negotiate with more educated employees than less educated ones.
Management Styles in the Organization
Another determinant of Industrial Relations in Kenya is management styles. They may be autocratic, persuasive or convulsive. Other managers may limit industrial democracy thus refusing the participation of employer in decision making. The way management handles employees determines the relations in the organization.
Nature of business
Nature of Business is yet another determinant of Industrial Relations in Kenya. In some organization employment are not allowed to join unions and in others the number of employees are few to make any significant contribution to union activities. Some employers also don’t join employer association. This reduces the power and strength of trade union and employer association thus affecting industrial association.
Employees’ condition and welfare
This is another determinant of Industrial Relations in Kenya. As a result of globalization, various changes take place in organization everyday. If these changes are not implemented well, they may lead to conflict in the organization thus influencing industrial relations.
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Negotiating Ability of Unions and Management
The negotiation ability of the two parties affects prevailing relations. If they are armed with concrete facts and are persuasive in their bargaining it will ensure that industrial peace is maintained. This is the last determinant of good Industrial Relations in Kenya
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