Effects of technology on the recruitment and placement of women employee’s in Chemelil Sugar Company, Kenya

Abstract

In today's global and dynamic environment, the role of technology at the work place cannot be underestimated. Employees need to be technologically literate and skilled in order to be competitive in the labour market. Numerous studies conducted reveal that in spite of their technological skills and competencies, women employees in many organizations are few and underutilized. The purpose of this study therefore was to find out the effects of technology on recruitment and placement of female employees in industrial organizations by focusing on Chemelil Sugar Company. The study objectives were: To determine the levels of technological skills and qualifications possessed by women employees and their effects on recruitment and placement; examine the challenges faced by women employees accessing technologically based jobs and their effects on recruitment and placement; and establish policies put in place by the Sugar industry to support equitable distribution of technologically based jobs and their effects on recruitment and placement of women. The study was based on the Feminist Theories and Hunts Theory of equitable distribution of Opportunities and a conceptual framework conceived by the researcher for the study. The study targeted all the 141 women employees and 4 management staff of Chemelil Sugar Company. Data was collected through questionnaires and interview schedules and analyzed using SPSS for quantitative data and thematically for qualitative data. The results were presented in frequency distribution tables and percentages .The findings of the study were; majority of women employees had attained diploma level of education; challenges to women's access to technologically based jobs included: increased family responsibilities at home, cultural beliefs, and stereotyping. There were policies in place to promote equitable distribution of technologically based jobs between men and women employees but these policies were not being implemented appropriately. Based on the findings it was concluded that technology had an effect on recruitment and placement of women in industries that is; family responsibilities, stereotypes and cultural beliefs were among the factors responsible for few women joining technologically based jobs and although policies for equitable distribution of technological jobs were in place, they were not being implemented .It‟s therefore recommended that women should be encouraged to pursue higher qualifications in technology, policies for equitable distribution of jobs be enforced and finally barriers to women access to technological jobs be enforced. Further research should be conducted to find out the perception of women towards advanced technological jobs.