The moderating effect of organizational processes on the relationship between organizational structure and organizational effectiveness in universities in Kenya

Abstract

Like other organizations, institutions of higher learning are faced with stiff competition both in terms of their customers and the human resource demand. Consequently, the majority of the institutions are placing special emphasis on their effectiveness particularly in drawing customer acceptance, providing a conducive work environment in terms of employee satisfaction and the modification of their programmes to fit the competitive market. Whatever form of organization, there is a general agreement that organization’s structural design is a critical factor in the success or failure of an organization. This paper examine the relationship between organizational structure and organizational effectiveness and the moderating effect of organizational processes on the relationship between organizational structure and organizational effectiveness based on a study of two universities in Kenya: Moi University (public) and University of East African Baraton (private)The study used a sample of 365 participants (300 from Moi University and 65 from UEA-Baraton). The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design that was descripto-explanatory in nature to identify attributes of the study population using a small sample of individuals. Independent samples t-test was used to test whether there was any significant difference in organizational structure and organizational effectiveness between public and private universities. The regression results indicated that the level of communication had positive and significant effects on productivity stability and human resource satisfaction and development. Besides, the study confirmed that organizational processes moderate the relationship between organizational structure and organizational effectiveness. The results highlight the need to improve organizational structure which has positive impacts on organizational effectiveness under the moderation of organizational processes. This move is necessitated by the accelerated pace of business complexity today.