1. Understanding Cohesion and Integration
THE PRESIDENCY
Executive Office of the President
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
Understanding Cohesion and Integration
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

2. Presentation outline Introduction Definition of cohesion
Why national cohesion
Indicators of organisational cohesion
Enhancing cohesion in the organisation
Benefits of national cohesion
Conclusion
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

3. In the preamble of our Kenya Constitution, 2010
INTRODUCTION
In the preamble of our Kenya Constitution, 2010
We, the people of Kenya –
ACKNOWLEDGING the supremacy of the Almighty God of all creation:
PROUD of our ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, and determined to live in peace and unity as one indivisible Nation:
COMMITTED to nurturing and protecting the well being of the individual, the family, community and Nation:
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

4. DEFINITION OF ORGANISATIONAL COHESION
It is a process and an outcome of instilling and enabling all members of staff in the organisation to have a sense as well as a feeling that they are members of the same organisation, engaged in a common enterprise and facing shared challenges.
This is realized through the regulation and reconciliation of differences, competing interests and demands.
It entails constructing an integrated citizenry with a sense of belonging amongst members of different groups and regions of a country.
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

5. COHESION Cont…
Organisational cohesion is strongest when everyone in the organisation has the opportunity, the resources and the motivation to participate in organisational activities as fully as they wish and on an equal basis with others.
A lack of cohesion occurs when people are prevented from participating in organisational activities or feel alienated.
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

6. COHESION Cont… Why do you think we need cohesion as a country?
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

7. Why Cohesion?
Its achievement will ensure equitable sharing of the country’s resources thus promoting inclusive development that takes into account the unique needs of different departments.
It will promote equal participation of citizen in country’s activities.
It will create an overarching national community, rendering irrelevant or at least secondary any loyalty to identities such as ethnicity,race,region,class and religion.
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

8. INDICATORS OF COHESION
What are the indicators / signs / characteristics of a cohesive family?
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

9. INDICATORS OF COHESION Cont…
A cohesive organisation is one where:
There is a common vision and a sense of belonging for all people working in the organisation;
An organisation is cohesive where there’s a common vision that determines the behaviour of its people.
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

10. INDICATORS OF COHESION Cont…
Sense of belonging is determined by several factors:
TRUST – a cohesive organisation has people having trust in one another, in their honesty, in their observance of the law and in their duty to treat one another with respect.
PARTICIPATION – an organisation whose people are fully involved in various community activities and can influence decisions affecting them will be more cohesive than otherwise.
ACCESS – the greater the access to services and benefits, the stronger the perception people have of belonging to the organisation.
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

11. INDICATORS OF COHESION Cont…
The diversity of people’s backgrounds and circumstances are appreciated and positively valued;
Those from different backgrounds have equal life opportunities;
A cohesive organisation is one that offers opportunities to all its members within accepted values and norms
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

12. INDICATORS OF COHESION Cont…
Strong and positive relationships are being developed between people from different backgrounds;
Existence of mechanisms for settling differences and resolving conflicts.
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

13. Role of Board……….
As an organisation,how can we enhance the level of cohesiveness internally?
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

14. Role of Board……
The Board should create an environment that facilitates participation of all its members of staff in all programs and activities.
Should create forums where members discuss frankly and openly about issues that may be a source of conflicts with an intention of resolving them.
They should also demonstrate the ability to integrate people from different religious and political backgrounds so that they can relate and coexist.
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

15. Role of Board…..
Should make decisions that are based on widespread consultations and participation of the people . This shall ensure that all decisions made are all inclusive.
Facilitate equitable sharing of the available opportunities
Mainstreaming national cohesion principles and practices in all programmes
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

16. Benefits of a Cohesive Organisation
Enhanced organisational solidarity and harmony
Unified approach to confronting challenges
Commitment to organisational ideals and commitments
Improved performance and well-being
Building of a strong organisational identity
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

17. CONCLUSION
Let us as Board family embrace and nurture organisational cohesion that will facilitate the achievement of our organisational goals and enhance the board’s performance.
Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018

18. Directorate of National Cohesion and Values
5/15/2018