communication and performance targets in a selected public book publisher in kenya

Abstract

Performance contracting is a key tool for providing evidence of the communication effectiveness of strategies put in place to improve the performance of the public service sector. The approach has been used around the world to build efficiencies in the management of the public service, as well as quasi-governmental corporations. The broad objective of this study was therefore to investigate the factors affecting communication and performance targets in a selected public book publisher in Kenya; Kenya Literature Bureau (KLB). The factors investigated included: communication strategy, government policies, quality management systems, production systems, as well as information communication technology. The study adopted the descriptive research design. The target population comprised a total of 286 employees from KLB, Kenya Institute of Education (KIE) and the Performance Contracting Secretariat. The study applied a stratified random sampling technique to select a sample size of 143 respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data, which was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that the major factors affecting the capacities of public book publishers in trying to meet their performance targets included: use of ineffective communication strategies, poor or unimplemented Government policies, lack of effective quality management systems and poor production systems. The study recommends that the management of public book publishers should embrace sound policies and make efforts to achieve effective communication with the public or customers and stakeholders to increase the level of customer satisfaction; employ effective corporate governance practices and formulate and implement proactive corporate plans. Managements of public book publishers should embrace effective Quality Management Systems to improve the quality rating of books, comply with ISO standards, continually conduct employee training, undertake continual improvement of organisational processes and improve leadership.