COMPETENCY MAPPING AND ITS INFLUENCE ON EMPLOYEE RETENTION IN THE TELECOMMUNICATION INDUSTRY IN KENYA

Abstract

Employee retention is a key driver to the success of organisations in a hyper turbulent business environment. The performance of organisations is greatly determined by the ability to attract, maintain and retain workers who can positively contribute to the goals of the organisation. It is imperative that organizations establish talent management practices that can give it a competitive edge and lead to a high level of success. Competency Mapping determines the extent to which the various competencies related to a job are possessed by a job holder. Thus, competency mapping is a process used to identify and list out competencies that are most relevant and significant to carry out job in an effective manner. Competency based management systems set out performance requirements to increase precision and facilitate the recruiting and selection process. It offers a consistent framework for dialog on performance, growth and career issues between the manager and the employee. Critique of existing literature reveals that gaps exist on linking competency mapping to employee retention in the telecommunications industry and the study, therefore, sought to establish the effect of competency mapping on retention of employees in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and Slovin’s formula was used to calculate the sample size. This yielded a sample size of 104 employees who were selected using stratified random sampling method. Information was collected by use of questionnaires which were subjected to pre-test to ensure both validity and reliability. Data analysis was done using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that competency mapping had a positive influence on employee retention in the telecommunication firms in Kenya and therefore it is recommended that organisations carry out competency mapping in talent management practice in order to enhance employee retention.