Influence of Emotional Support on Humanitarian Aid Response in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of emotional support on humanitarian aid response in arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya. The study used a positivism approach and explanatory research design. The target population was 5996 from which a sample of 375 respondents was obtained using the Yamane formula. Structured questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect the data. The study used a stratified random technique to select the respondents. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and presented in prose form. Moreover, SPSS Version 25 was used to organize and analyze the quantitative data. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented in tables and graphs. The study found that emotional support is positively and significantly related to humanitarian aid response in the Arid and Semi-Arid areas in Kenya (β=0.520, p=0.000). The results indicate that a unitary increase in emotional support will increase the humanitarian aid response in the Arid and Semi-Arid areas in Kenya by 0.520 units when other factors are held constant. The study concludes that emotional support encourages an individual to work hard at reaching goals, increasing humanitarian aid responses. Emotional support involves listening and empathizing with the team members, which positively impacts the delivery of humanitarian aid. Motivation drives individuals to work hard to achieve goals, thus increasing humanitarian aid response. Employees who trust leaders are less likely to quit, increasing humanitarian aid responses. Emotional support is an essential leadership ingredient that binds any relationship into a practical and working partnership. It is recommended that the management of the NGOs involved in the humanitarian aid response should concentrate more on emotional support. The management of NGOs should consider increasing the monetary benefits package they give to the team members. In addition, the management teams in organizations should always carry out a thorough study of the various motivational tools that can motivate employees. The management should listen to the view of the team members.