An Inquiry Into Background Checks At Learning Institutions In Kenya: A Case Study Of United States International University (USIU) Africa

Abstract

Human resource procurement is critical to the overall fabric in an institution of learning and a key avenue for propagating its culture. As a factor integral to a mission success. Recruitment of employees and student admission continues to be quite dynamic in its approaches and strategies. Employee value system and personality disposition are key elements in the development of the core principles of integrity and trust which are important for the reputation of the organization. Cases of employee or student security related incidences in learning institutions continue to evoke pertinent concerns on the manner in which human resourcing, retention and management is undertaken. The purpose of the study was to investigate and evaluate the effective management of background check at learning institutions in Kenya, a case of USIU Africa. The research study was guided by the following three objectives; to evaluate the background check procedures in place at USIU Africa; to highlight the benefits of an effectively managed background checks, identify the challenges and make recommendations for an effective background check at an institution of higher learning. The research project incorporated a descriptive design in order to can-y out an in-depth study of an effectively managed background check in learning institutions. The study was carried out at USIU Africa and with the target population being employees of USIU Africa to include teaching, non-teaching staff and contractors. The study employed simple random sampling technique in determining the representative sample for the unit of analysis from the sample frame of USIU Africa employees. Primary data was collected by use of semi-structured questionnaires, open ended questions and interviews with some key managers of USIU Africa. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics for the qualitative data and quantitative data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Data was then coded according to different variables and descriptive statistics such as frequencies, mode, mean percentiles, variances and standard deviations used for ease of interpretation. The data has been presented in the form of tables, figures and charts for appropriate analysis and interpretation. The findings regarding the first research objective on the evaluation of background check procedures in place at USIU Africa indicated that employees had different knowledge and perceptions about background check procedures in place at the institution. Some knew various aspects of background checks while others had limited knowledge of what background checks entail. The findings on the benefits of an effectively managed background checks indicated that employees gave overwhelmingly a number of benefits in line with the institutions mission and vision for mutual gains. Such benefits include institutional reputation, low hiring risks and a safe learning as well as working environment. The study finally identified a number of challenges m undertaking an effective background check at a learning institution like high costs and lack of clear management policy then made appropriate recommendations for an effective background check policy and implementation. The major conclusions drawn from the study were that there is a formal background check procedure undertaken by the Human Resource department for new employees at USIU Africa. That management and campus administration was interested and involved in all the processes involving background check procedures in order to strengthen the structures that oversee the formulation and implementation of a sound background check policy. Like other learning institutions USIU would like to be abreast with appropriate background check policies that are conducive and proactive to the global market demands, checking strategic crime trends and realization that it will give the organization a cutting edge as a safe working and learning environment. The study recommendations with respect to three research objectives were as follows; The study recommended that optimization of the best practices should be embedded within the core values of the organization's mission and vision. On the second research objective, the study recommended that the members of staff and college community should be sensitized on the background checks as this facilitates the realization of the organizational objectives. On the third objective, the study recommended that learning institutions should adhere to best background check practices in order to get full benefits and minimize the challenges associated with the background checks.