Influence of Diversity Training on Employee Commitment in the Banking Sector in Kenya

Abstract

This study purposed to explore the influence of diversity training on employee commitment in the banking sector in Kenya. The study used a descriptive survey to explore the influence of diversity training needs assessment and the final exposure to the training programs about diversity issues on employee commitment. A sample of 384 respondents drawn from a target population of 36,212 comprising top, supervisory, clerical and secretarial staff was obtained using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. From each stratum, a proportionate allocation was used to select a representative sample and the data collected by use of questionnaires. Data was analysed using descriptive correlation and multiple linear regression analyses. Findings of the study indicated that commercial banks in Kenya provides diversity training programs to their employees and that this had a significant influence on employee commitment. Specifically, training needs assessment about diversity issues and exposing employees to diversity training programs had a significant influence on employee commitment. These findings suggest that commercial banks in Kenya value diversity training, although they should always prioritize diversity training needs assessments of diverse employees prior to their exposure to the training programs. Further, more research is required to specifically focus on the long-term effect of diversity training on HR outcomes in other sectors in Kenya.