INFLUENCE OF TRANSPARENCY ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITALS IN KENYA
INFLUENCE OF TRANSPARENCY ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF NATIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITALS IN KENYA
John Gatimu - Student, Master of Leadership and Governance, Kenyatta University, Kenya
Prof. David M. Minja - Professor of Strategy, Governance and Public Policy, Kenyatta University, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Performance is an essential and critical practice1 to the success of any organization. Corporate governance practices play a crucial role1 in shaping the organizational performance of institutions across various sectors. In the healthcare sector, particularly within national referral hospitals, these governance practices are even1 more critical. The efficiency and effectiveness of referral hospitals significantly impact the overall health outcomes1 of the population. However, national referral hospitals in Kenya face numerous challenges, including financial constraints, inadequate resources, staff shortages, and1 bureaucratic inefficiencies, which hinder their ability to provide optimal care and services. These factors, related to transparency continue1 to impede the1 performance and limit the output of National Referral Hospitals in Kenya. This study sought to examine the influence1 of transparency on organizational performance of National Referral Hospitals in Kenya. This study was hinged on the agency theory. The study adopted a descriptive research design and targeted the1 seven National Referral Hospital Kenya. The unit of observation was nursing officers, clinical officers, medical officers, nutrition1 officers, pharmaceutical officers, records and data officers, laboratory officers, research officers, chief executive officers, hospital administrators, heads of departments, directors and deputy directors, accounting and finance officers, biomedical engineers, procurement officers, human resource officers, public health officers, Chair of the Board, board members, and medical doctors of these facilities. A sample1 size of 316 was arrived at by calculating the target population of 1764 with a 95% confidence level and an error of 0.05 using the Kothari (2004) formula. The stratified and simple random sampling technique was adopted to select the sample1 size. To obtain primary data, the researcher made use of self-administered questionnaires, key informant interviews and observation schedule. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, mean score and standard deviation while the qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. Inferential data analysis was done using regression and correlation analysis. The information was presented in form of tables. The study found that hospital policies and procedures are readily available1 to stakeholders, ensuring clarity and1 transparency in governance and decision-making processes. The research concluded that regular communication1 of changes and updates to policies fosters accountability and builds stakeholder trust. The adherence to national and international healthcare standards, verified independently, reflects the hospital's commitment to quality care. To enhance transparency, National Referral Hospitals should establish robust communication channels to ensure that changes and updated to policies and procedures are promptly communicated to stakeholders.
