PHD-Department of Business Administration
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Item Green Innovation Strategy and Performance Sustainability of ISO 14001 Certified Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya(kenyatta university, 2023) Nzomo, James Kimuli; Godfrey M. Kinyua; Evans T. MwasiajiPerformance sustainability has been a major concern for most firms operating in manufacturing sector in Kenya. There has been an increase in environmental crisis related to pollution and unmanaged waste disposal in the industrial sector. Most firms in the manufacturing sector have witnessed a declined profit and 55% of firms having high impact on the environment. Despite clear regulatory framework and increased ISO 14001 certification of firms which is critical as firms go green, challenges relating to performance sustainability of manufacturing firms are still high. This study investigated effect of GIS on the performance sustainability of ISO 14001 certified manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were to determine effect of green product innovation strategy, green process innovation strategy, green marketing innovation strategy and green organizational innovation strategy on the performance sustainability of ISO 14001 certified firms in manufacturing sector in Nairobi, Kenya. The study further established the mediating effect of competitive advantage and the moderating effect of regulatory framework on the relationship between green innovation strategy and performance sustainability of ISO 14001 certified firms in Nairobi, Kenya. The study was guided by triple bottom line theory, green business model innovation, resource-based view theory, institutional theory and stakeholder’s theory. Positivism philosophy was adopted in this study involving descriptive and explanatory research design. The target population was 60 ISO 14001 certified manufacturing firms in Nairobi, Kenya. Census of the 60 ISO 14001 certified firms was done where the unit of observation was 300 respondents obtained from the heads of finance, human resource, marketing, ICT and operations departments. To collect data, semi-structured questionnaires were used which were administered through mail survey and drop and pick methods. Face, content and construct validity were used to analyse validity of the tools while reliability was analysed using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient whose threshold was coefficient above 0.7. The response rate was seventy six percent which was sufficient for making inferences and drawing conclusion. Descriptive statistics was summarized using frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviations. Multiple regression analysis was used for inferential statistics to test hypotheses. Inferential statistics was reported using adjusted coefficient of determination (R2), F statistics (ANOVA), unstandardized coefficients (beta values) and p values at 0.05 level of significance. The quantitative data was presented inform of figures and tables while qualitative data was presented in narrative form. The findings indicated that GIS had significant positive effect on the performance sustainability of ISO 14001 certified firms. Moreover, green product, green process, green marketing and green organizational innovation strategy were found to be statistically significant and had effect on the performance sustainability. Competitive advantage partially mediated the relationship between GIS and performance sustainability. Lastly, regulatory framework had negative moderating effect on the relationship between GIS and performance sustainability of ISO 14001 certified manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County in Kenya. The study recommends that the management of manufacturing firms need to come up with green practices which enhances all aspects GIS in order to improve performance sustainability of manufacturing firms. Management of manufacturing firms going green need to leverage on aspects that aids firm to gain competitive advantage like green automation to promote performance sustainability of firms. The government and other stakeholders in manufacturing are advised to come up with flexible regulatory framework which encourages firms to adopt green innovation and at same time attain performance sustainability for manufacturing firms.Item Online Marketing Strategies and Market Performance of Registered Tours and Travel Agencies in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2023) Gakii, Kithinji Annstellah; Samuel Maina; Elishiba MurigiKenya's Vision 2030 strives to craft the country into middle-income industrialized country by improving access and strengthening economic development of the tourism industry. However, the market shares of tours and travel agencies in Nairobi city county exhibits a downward trend, necessitating adoption of online marketing strategies to enhance their market performance. The study aimed to investigate the effects of online marketing strategies on market performance of the registered tours and travel agencies in Nairobi city county Kenya. The study specifically investigated the effect of content marketing, search engine optimization, e-mail marketing and online video marketing on market performance. It also established the moderating effect of firm characteristics as well as the mediating effect of competitive advantage on the relationship between online marketing strategies and market performance of registered tours and travel agencies in Nairobi city county Kenya. The study was anchored by unified theory of acceptance and use of technology, innovation diffusion theory and resource-based view theory. The study adopted a positivist philosophy. Both descriptive and explanatory research designs were used. The study used stratified random sampling to choose the sample size from the population. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from a sample of 179 registered tours and travels agencies picked from a population of 324 tours and travel agencies in Nairobi city county, Kenya. The study instrument's validity and reliability were assessed, and the results showed that they were reliable. The data obtained was coded and entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, such as frequencies, mean, percentages, and standard deviation, and presented using tables, and numerical values. Based on the objectives five hypotheses are formulated and were tested at a 95% confidence level using multiple linear regression. The results of regression analysis established that search engine optimization, email marketing and online video marketing had a positive and significant effect on market performance of the registered tours and travel agencies in Nairobi city county, Kenya. However, content marketing strategies had an insignificant effect on market performance of tours and travel agencies in Nairobi, city county Kenya. As a result, the study concludes that content marketing extends beyond content sharing and distribution to include content creation, and therefore tours and travel agencies should focus more on the key characteristics of content, which ultimately made reference to the purchase process and is open to the potential business outcome. The study recommends that tour operators and travel agencies should integrate all available online marketing strategies to make information more accessible to customers. This includes creating relevant content to enhance market entry, using search engine optimization to improve online visibility, leveraging email marketing to personalize messages and increase market penetration, and using online video marketing to boost performanceItem Efficacy of Destination Promotion Strategies on Domestic Tourism Performance in Mombasa County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2023) Mwawaza, Stella Mshai; Albert Chege Kariuki; Edgar Otsembo NdubiDomestic tourism is critical as it helps cushion the tourism sector against uneven demand resulting from international tourism. The variation of international tourism is as a result of an increase in major security incidents, especially terrorism, global economic instability, seasonality, and global epidemics such as COVID-19. Such fluctuations affect the Gross Domestic Product and nature of employment. Domestic tourism often plays a role in sustaining services and jobs when there is reduced international tourism. The Government of Kenya and private stakeholders have put in place measures to ensure local residence engage in tourism. The goal of this research was to determine the efficacy of destination promotion strategies on domestic tourism performance in Mombasa County. Specific objectives were: to establish the influence of travel motivation on domestic tourism performance; analyse the contribution of the tourism products on domestic tourism performance; evaluate the marketing best practices adopted and their influence on domestic tourism performance; explore the contribution of stakeholder engagement on domestic tourism performance and finally establish the moderating influence of destination image on the relationship between destination promotion strategies and domestic tourism performance in Mombasa County. The sampled population consisted of 444 respondents drawn from domestic tourists in Mombasa County, Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) registered Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) members, selected government bodies and relevant tourists Associations in Mombasa County. The research used cross sectional descriptive research design where data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedule and focus group discussions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data with levels significance and confidence levels established at p≤ 0.05, (95%) and qualitative data was themed and categorized. The overall response rate was 84.13%, which was deemed suitable for the research. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyse the data. The findings indicated significant influences on the variables as follows; travel motivation to domestic performance p=0.000≤0.05; Tourism product on domestic tourism performance p=0.000≤0.05; marketing best practice and domestic tourism performance p=0.000≤0.05; and stakeholder engagement which was significant at p= 0.000≤0.05. Further, the results indicated that travel motivation, tourism product and marketing best practices explained 60.5% of the variations in domestic tourism performance while stakeholder engagement on the other hand accounted for 31.9% of the variation in domestic tourism performance. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to test moderation hypothesis. The results indicated that cognitive image is a moderator variable between tourism motivation; tourism product; marketing best practice and domestic tourism performance, while affective image was only a moderator between tourist motivation and domestic tourism performance. This study concluded that destination promotion strategies affect domestic tourism performance. The study recommends another study on other factors that affect domestic tourism performance as destination promotion strategies explained only 60.5% of the variations in domestic tourism performance.Item Human Resource Management Information Systems and Performance of Chartered Universities in Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2023) Akoyo, Indara Selline; Hannah Orwa Bula; Philip Peter WambuaUniversities are striving to excel in the current competitive environment and therefore, performance is a fundamental goal. Despite the techniques employed by universities, their performance in relation to others regionally and internationally falls short of expectations. Furthermore, the use of Human Resource Management Information systems in universities is not widely accepted. In light to this, the study's primary goal was to evaluate the human resource management information system on performance of chartered universities’ in Kenya. The specific objectives of the study were; to determine the effect of e-human resource planning system on performance; to assess the effect of e-reassign system on performance; to establish the effect of e-recruitment system on performance; to examine the effect of e-training system on performance; to determine the mediating effect of organizational culture on the relationship between Human Resource Management Information System on performance and to examine the moderating effect of regulatory framework on the relationship between Human Resource Management Information System on performance of chartered universities in Kenya. The study variables were anchored on Dynamic Capability and were supported by Diffusion of Innovation, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and Institutional Theories. The study was guided by positivism research philosophy. The study adopted explanatory and descriptive research designs. For descriptive design the researcher used cross-section approach. The target population were respondents drawn from 52 chartered universities as of 2021. The total number of respondents were 397 employees who comprised of human resource officers, academic registrars, information communication technology officers and quality assurance officers. Multi-stage sampling was used to obtain a sample size of 230. The collection of primary data was done using semi-structured questionnaires which were sent to the respondents through e-mail and this was necessary due to the outbreak of COVID-19 leading to the closure of all learning institutions and other sectors of the economy. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. Inferential statistics used regression analysis while descriptive statistics used percentages, frequencies, means and standard deviations. Figures and Tables were used to present the findings from the quantitative data analysis which was done using STATA version 15.0. The results indicated that e-reassign system, e-recruitment system and e-training system significantly affected the performance of chartered universities in Kenya. However, e-human resource planning system had an insignificant effect on performance of chartered universities in Kenya. Organizational culture was found to partially mediate the relationship between Human Resource Management Information Systems and performance of chartered universities in Kenya. Further the study established that regulatory framework significantly moderated the relationship between Human Resource Management Information System and performance of chartered universities in Kenya. The study concluded that e-reassign system, e-training system and e-recruitment system were significant forecasters of performance on chartered universities in Kenya. The study recommends that the management and stakeholders in Kenyan universities should invest more in systems and upgrade them on a continuous basis to enhance performance. Finally, the study recommended that further research be done by replicating the same study in unchartered universities as well as other sectors to validate the degree of influence of HRMIS on performance.Item Psychological Contract and Performance of Academic Staff in Selected Public Universities in Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2023) Odengo, Ruth Anyango; Hannah Bula; David KiiruGlobally, performance of academic staff in higher education institutions is seen as a very important driver of economic development through dissemination of knowledge. Concerns have been raised about the complexity of academic staff performance in Kenyan universities. Employee attitudes and performance have been seen to be influenced by psychological contracts. However, there have been few attempts to determine the extent to which psychological contract fulfillment affects academic staff performance in Kenyan public universities. The main objective of this study envisaged examining the influence psychological contract have on the expected performance of academic staff in selected public universities in Kenya. Specifically, the study established the extent to which relational contract, transactional contract and balanced contract affect performance of academic staff at selected public universities in Kenya; secondly, determine the moderating effect of human resource policies and the mediating effect of organizational capabilities on the relationship between psychological contract and performance of academic staff at selected public universities in Kenya. This research was anchored on four theories namely the equity theory, social exchange theory, organizational support theory and the Harvard framework for human resource management. This study was conducted using descriptive and explanatory research design. This study targeted six public universities whose student population are above 15,000 and a minimum of 4 similar schools across the universities. The target population was 6 selected public universities with a population size of 6,271 academic staff. The sample size was 362 academic staff of the selected schools, in the selected public universities. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire, bearing both structured and semi-structured questions. The questionnaire was evaluated for content and construct validity, while a pilot study was carried out to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. To analyze quantitative data, descriptive statistics was used in describing the variables whereas inferential statistics established the association in the independent and dependent variable, outcomes are displayed through tables, charts, diagrams and numerical values. The study hypotheses were tested at 95% confidence level. The study findings showed that relational contract, transactional contract and balanced contract have positive and significant effect on performance of academic staff at selected public universities in Kenya. The findings further established that organisational capabilities partially mediated the relationship between psychological contract and performance of academic staff in selected public universities in Kenya. The study finally showed that human resource policies provided the necessary environment for staff to form effective psychological contract that improve performance. The study concluded that psychological contract plays a significant role in determining the performance of academic staff in the public universities, hence, fulfillment or breach of the psychological contract further determine whether the universities realize positive academic staff performance or not. The study recommends that management of the universities regularly review and discuss challenges faced by the academic staff in performance of their duties and formulate HR policies that would ensure trust and fairness in the employment relationship hence promoting formation of the right psychological contract that would yield intrinsic motivation, job satisfaction, engagement and ultimately overall performance of the academic staff.Item Marketing Mix and Country Brand Choice for Foreign Direct Investment in Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2023) Hilda, Khasaya Muteshi; Samuel Maina; Godfrey Muigai KinyuaDecision by investors to locate a business internationally is determined by comparison of various countries as potential places for investment. Competition among countries and the increasing need for foreign direct investment has led to countries being marketed as brands. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of country marketing mix on country brand choice for foreign direct investment in Kenya. The specific objectives were: to establish the effect of country physical evidence, country prices, country attributes, business processes, and country promotion strategies on country brand choice for foreign direct investment in Kenya. The study also sought to establish the mediating effect of country brand equity and the moderating effect of country regulatory environment on the relationship between country marketing mix and country brand choice for foreign direct investment in Kenya. This study was anchored on eclectic theory of international production, marketing mix model and Aaker’s brand equity model. The study adopted both descriptive and explanatory research design. The target population was 1,038 foreign investors who registered companies between the year 2015-2020 in Kenya. A sample of 254 companies were chosen. Respondents were identified using stratified random sampling, a questionnaire was used in data collection. The study tested for validity of research tools as well as reliability through a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Cronbach Alpha coefficient, 0.60 was the acceptable reliability. Data was analysed using logistic regression analysis and descriptive statistics (in form of measures of central tendencies). The F-statistic was used to confirm variables level of significance. Variables with p-value ≤ 0.05, were significant. The adjusted R-Squared (R2) and Exp(B) was used to interpret the relationship between country marketing mix and country brand choice. The study conducted diagnostic tests for collinearity and Goodness of fit and the data is presented in tables, charts and figures. The findings indicated that the models were found to be a good fit, and there was no multicollinearity. Based on hypothesis testing, country physical evidence, country attributes, country promotion have significant direct relationship with country brand choice, the study rejects the null hypotheses H01, H03, H05 while country prices and country business processes have no significant effect on country brand choice, therefore study fails to reject H02 and H04. Country marketing mix has a significant effect on country brand choice and country brand equity mediates the relationship between country marketing mix and country brand choice. Country regulatory environment has a significant moderation effect on the relationship between country marketing mix and country brand choice. An unfavourable regulatory environment decreases the likelihood that an investor will choose Kenya for foreign direct investment. The study concludes that country marketing is critical in attracting foreign direct investment, and should exist in a favourable country regulatory environment. The study recommends the use of stepwise logistic regression and hierarchical logistic regression to determine variables contribution in the marketing mix model and also the retention of country prices in the model despite its insignificance.Item Occupational Stress Interventions and Performance of Academic Staff in Selected Public Universities in Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2023) Kinuthia, Jane Muthoni; Peter Philip Wambua; David KiiruThis study sought to investigate the effect of occupational stress interventions on the performance of academic staff in selected public universities. The study’s specific objectives, were; to identify the effect of primary occupational stress interventions, secondary occupational stress interventions, and tertiary occupational stress interventions on academic staff performance. Additionally, the mediating effect of psychological capital on the relationship between occupational stress interventions and performance of academic staff in selected public universities and the moderating effect of social support on the same relationship were determined. The theories that anchored the study included job-demand-support theory, person-environment fit theory, broaden and build theory, and cognitive dissonance theory with the main theory anchoring the study being person-environment fit theory. The study was based on the philosophical approach of positivism. The study adopted a descriptive and explanatory design which was cross-sectional in nature. The observation unit was three public universities, Egerton, Kenyatta, and Maseno universities with a total number of 3277 academic staff. The three universities were purposive selected based on their age, geographical location and student population size. Subsequently, the respondents from the selected universities were picked through a simple random sampling technique. The sample size was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan formula and was determined to be 342. Primary data were collected systematically and analyzed and conclusions were drawn from them. The research instrument used in collecting primary data was a questionnaire. The questionnaire was found to be valid in terms of face and content validity. The Cronbach alpha for all the items was above 0.7 hence had achieved acceptable levels of reliability. Ethical requirements that have been recommended for conducting empirical studies were observed such as getting authorization from the relevant bodies such as NACOSTI and the universities where the data was collected. The study also complied with the requirement of informed consent. Inferential and descriptive statistics were then used to analyze the data. Data was presented in form of percentages, frequencies, and measures of central tendency. Inferential statistics were used to gauge the nature and extent of relationships between variables by using regression analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings show a positive and significant relationship between occupational stress interventions and the performance of academic staff. The results of diagnostic tests which included test for normality, multicollinearity, linearity, heteroscedasticity and sample adequacy test revealed that the data collected was suitable for regression analysis. The regression model for the direct relationship matched with the data since it was statistically significant at F (3, 215) = 142.82 and a calculated probability of 0.000 which was lower than the 0.05 significance level that was adopted by the study as the threshold. The following regression model was obtained: Performance of academic staff = 0.949+ 0.168 primary occupational stress intervention + 0.184 secondary occupational stress interventions + 0.457 tertiary stress interventions. This implies that primary, secondary and tertiary OSI explained 16.8%, 18.4% and 45.7% of performance respectively. Tertiary occupational stress intervention had the most significant contribution to performance among the three types of occupational stress interventions adopted by the study. Psychological capital was found to partially mediate the relationship between occupational stress interventions and academic staff performance. Moreover, social support was found to moderate the relationship between occupational stress interventions and academic staff performance. The findings from this study can be applied by managers, universities, and other organizations dealing with knowledge workers to improve the performance of the employees. The study proposes replicating the current study in private universities and organizations in industries other than the education sector.Item Firm Characteristics and Liquidity of Microfinance Banks in Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2023) Kiio, Joseph Munyao; Lucy Wamugo; Job OmagwaThe dynamism of the microfinance sector has benefited microfinance banks, resulting in significant transformation in the number of users served as well as the diversity of products and services offered. However, numerous microfinance banks have ended up with a liquidity ratio that is much lower than the required limit. Consequently, MFB deposits are dwindling, loan books are reducing, and profits are declining, all of which have an impact on MFBs' intermediation role. Thus, the main objective of this research was to examine how the characteristics of microfinance banks in Kenya influence their liquidity. In particular, the study aimed to investigate the impact of microfinance bank size, management effectiveness, capital adequacy and asset quality on the liquidity of these institutions. Additionally, the study aimed to determine whether bank competitiveness moderates the relationship between firm characteristics and liquidity in microfinance banks in Kenya. The Efficient Structure Theory, Capital Buffer Theory, Market Power Theory and Preference theory of Liquidity informed the study. The study adopted a positivism philosophy and Causal research design. The study's target population was the 13 Microfinance Banks in Kenya that were active between 2012 and 2018. This research used a census method, focusing on all 13 MFBs in Kenya. Secondary data from Central Bank supervisory reports and published financial statements were used in the study. Using Stata software version 14, data was analyzed using descriptive analysis and panel regression analysis. The hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 level of significance. The study findings indicate that microfinance bank size had a negative and significant effect on liquidity. Microfinance management efficiency had positive and insignificant effect on liquidity. Capital adequacy was found to have a negative and significant effect on liquidity while Asset quality had a positive and significant effect on liquidity of microfinance banks in Kenya. The finding further indicated that Bank Competitiveness had a significant moderating effect on microfinance bank size and liquidity. Bank competitiveness did not have a significant moderating effect on management efficiency, asset quality, capital adequacy and liquidity of microfinance banks in Kenya. The study found that some of the firm characteristics have a significant effect while others had insignificant effect. Consequently, the study recommends that microfinance bank managers can effectively manage liquidity by collectively focusing on bank size and take note of all changes that may influence the liquidity levels of the banks. This will let managers of microfinance banks fully anticipate changes or fluctuations in total assets, which may have an impact on these banks' liquidity and carefully monitoring changes in their assets, microfinance bank managers can anticipate potential liquidity issues and take proactive steps to mitigate them, such as selling off assets. Expanding investment opportunities can also help to protect microfinance banks from fluctuations in liquidity by diversifying their asset base. Policy makers and regulators should implement policies to ensure that microfinance banks maintain adequate levels of capital to support their operations. Microfinance bank managers must carefully balance the demand for loans with the need to maintain high-quality loan portfolios that do not result in excessive losses. Overall, effective monitoring mechanisms and appropriate interest rate policies are essential for protecting the interests of clients and ensuring the stability and sustainability of the microfinance-banking sector in Kenya.Item Talent Management and Organizational Performance of Nairobi City County Government, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2022) Wainana, Ruth Wambui; Hannah Bula; Peter Philip WambuaCounty governments are not only expected to be efficient in service delivery to their citizenry but also to be compliant with the set regulations. Organization performance of county governments in Kenya is measured against this backdrop. Talent management has been defined as a managerial strategy that enhances organizational performance. It involves determination of talent amongst employees and nurturing them to be innovative in realization of organizational goals. Nairobi City County Government has not been on record in terms of exemplary performance despite all her endowment as a county that stands out among all the counties in Kenya on several fronts. Nairobi City County Government has failed to ensure exemplary delivery of services to her citizens. This has led to a handicap in handling the ever rising population growth rate and provision of services in the health industry, poor nutrition, sanitation and insecurity, to mention but a few. Nairobi City County Government has also not been among the few that are cited to meet her economical obligations regarding revenue collection and budget absorption leading the economic growth rate in a downward trajectory. This interest informed undertaking of this study to establish the effects of talent management on Nairobi City County Government’s performance. Four specific objectives guided this study. They include; to establish effect of talent attraction on organizational performance of Nairobi City County Government, to determine the effect of talent development on organizational performance of Nairobi City County Government, to determine the effect of talent retention on organizational performance of Nairobi City County Government. The study held a mediating variable of innovation capabilities and organizational support as the moderating variable. The study was majorly anchored on the resource-based view theory that holds that organizational performance and competitive advantage results due to superior capabilities and resources compared to those of competitors. Other theories that anchored this study are the human capital theory, organizational learning theory and the social exchange theories. This research study adopted a descriptive approach through a cross-sectional research design. Purposive sampling was employed in selecting Nairobi City County Government where a census of only the top and middle level managers of Nairobi city county government were selected for the study as they were deemed appropriate to take part in the study. 121 managers within the county government formed the study’s target population. They included the chief officers, directors, deputy directors and assistant directors only. Collection of primary data was done through questionnaire which was considered familiar to respondents in order to get the solicited information easily. The questionnaire was pilot tested at the county government of Wajir and the data obtained was used for validity and reliability testing. The instrument was found suitable to collect the required data for the study. The collected data was prepared for analysis by coding, editing and cleaning and later analyzed using SPSS statistical package. The study adopted quantitative data analysis techniques which are ideal to analyze effectively. Descriptive statistics like percentages, means and standard deviation were used to analyze quantitative data. Inferential statistics was analyzed using content analysis. A multiple regression model was used to assess the influence of the dependent variable on the dependent variable. Hypotheses testing were done where the criteria of making decision was the p-value of respective beta coefficients at 95% confidence level. The null hypothesis was rejected when p< 0.05. Results from the analysis have been presented by the use of figures, graphs, tables and charts. The study results found out that talent attraction, talent development and talent retention positively and significantly affect organizational performance of Nairobi City County Government. Innovative capabilities partially mediate the relationship between talent management on organization performance while organizational support significantly moderates the relationship between talent management and organizational performance of Nairobi City County Government. The study recommends that organizational management should apply appropriate strategies to attract, develop and retain the right talents for NCCG as well as set aside resources that encourage innovation among employees so as novel ideas on efficient realization of organization objectives may be developed. It was also recommended that employees should be involved in decision making pertaining to their rewards and welfare in order to increase and sustain exemplary performance of a particular organization. The study calls upon future researchers to investigate other variables that may inform organizational performance not studied in here. The same study may be carried out in a different context or using different methods.Item Restructuring Strategies and Performance of Small and Medium Commercial Banks in Nairobi City County,Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2022) Shurie, Fatuma Barlin Omar; James M.Kilika; Anne W. MuchemiSmall and medium size commercials banks in Kenya have experienced performance challenges such as reduced market share, reduced pre-tax profit, declining gross loans and advances as well as increased ratio of gross non-performing loans to gross loans. The corporate competitive world characterized with cut-throat competition compels entities to identify and adopt appropriate strategies that ensure their survival which if properly designed and implemented result in improved performance. Despite the fact that small and medium size commercial banks have been advised to adopt viable restructuring strategies to address their performance challenges, extant research has not documented the extent of adoption of the strategies and their effect on performance. This study investigated the effect of restructuring strategies on performance of small and medium commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya while integrating the mediating and moderating effects of competitive advantage and bank characteristics respectively. The study was guided by five objectives that sought to determine the direct effects of operations redesign, business portfolio and cost cutting restructuring strategies on performance as well as the mediating and moderating effects of competitive advantage and firm characteristics respectively on the effect of restructuring strategies on performance of small and medium size commercial banks in Nairobi City county Kenya. The study was anchored on the postulates of BCG Model, Greiner Model of Growth, Upper Echelon Theory, Resource Based View of the firm and the Balanced Scorecard Model. The research adopted a positivism research philosophy and a corresponding descriptive and explanatory research designs. The population of the study was 32 small and medium size commercial banks that were studied from their respective headquarters through the representatives of purposively selected functional areas. A census survey of the 32 banks was done and a sample of 128 representatives of 4 functional areas in each bank used to obtain primary data that was collected through a structured questionnaire on the five variables of the study. The data collection instrument received a response rate of 85% and its reliability score was 0.957. The study found that the sampled banks adopted and applied the restructuring strategies to a high extent (mean>4), the level of competitive advantage generated from the restructuring strategies was at a high level (Mean=4) while the respondents were of the opinion that the characteristics of the banks have contributed to the banks current state to a high extent. Operations redesign and business portfolio restructuring strategies have a significant positive effect on performance of the small and medium size commercial banks while cost cutting restructuring strategy has a negative non-significant effect on performance of the sampled banks. The level of competitive advantage obtained from the restructuring strategies has a partial mediating effect on the relationship between restructuring strategies and performance while the firm characteristics of the sampled banks has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between restructuring strategies and performance of the small and medium size commercial banks in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The findings raised implications on the manner restructuring strategies are operationalized and pointed to the need to streamline business operations, adopt new business models and leverage on existing synergies among strategic business units while implementing the restructuring strategies. The study concluded that the different types of restructuring strategies have both positive and negative effects on performance of small and medium size commercial banks and that this direct effect is both mediated and moderated by the level of competitive advantage obtained from the restructuring strategy and the bank firm characteristics respectively. The study called on the management of the small and medium size commercial banks to consider undertaking review of the banks' operations, adopt new business models for enhancing value proposition and consider diversifying the scope of their businesses to increase their size. Future research can consider replicating the current study in the entire banking industry in Kenya, expand the scope of the restructuring strategies and apply more robust statistical techniques.Item First Mover Strategy and Performance of Selected Telecommunication Application Service Firms in Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2022) Ngugi, Rahab Wanjiku; Anne. W. Muchemi; Samuel MainaDynamics in the telecommunication sector are constantly changing hence telecommunication application service firms are experiencing declining performance. Rapid growth pace, threats from new entrants, adoption of new products by customers has increased competition leading to loss of customers, firm reputation and declining profitability. Telecommunication application service need to adopt strategies that can respond to the changing environment. This study sought to investigate the effect of first mover strategy on performance of selected telecommunication application service firms in Kenya. More specifically, the study assessed the effect of barrier to entry strategy, quality improvement strategy, mass market dominance strategy and niche market penetration strategy on performance of selected telecommunication application service firms in Kenya. In addition, the study investigated the effect of the mediator variable, entrepreneurial orientation and the moderator variable, information technology capability on first mover strategy and the performance of telecommunication application service firms. The underpinning theories were goal setting theory, game theory, dynamic capability theory and entrepreneurial orientation theory. The epistemological position was positivism and the research design adopted was descriptive and explanatory. The population targeted was 21 selected telecommunication application service firms. The unit of analysis was the selected telecommunication firms while the unit of observation was the heads of functional areas of marketing, finance, operations and strategy and the managing director in each of the telecommunication application service firms. Both primary and secondary data was collected. Open and closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect primary data while secondary data was collected from Communications Authority. A pilot study was conducted to determine the reliability of the research instrument. The study attained the required coefficient and gave an overall coefficient of 0.9. To ensure content and face validity, the instrument was subjected to an expert opinion. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. Descriptive analysis was done using mean scores, frequencies, standard deviations and percentages. While inferential statistics was carried out using correlation and multiple regression. The relationship between the independent, moderating, mediating and dependent variables were assessed using multiple linear regression. Hypotheses testing was conducted at 5% level of significance using P-values to assess significance. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data in order to establish meaning, interpret and draw conclusions. According to the study’s findings, barrier to entry strategy, quality improvement strategy and niche market penetration strategy all have a positive and significant effect on the performance of selected telecommunication application service firms in Kenya, while mass market dominance strategy has an insignificant effect on the performance of selected telecommunication application service firms. Further, the study found that first mover strategy and performance of telecommunication application service firms in Kenya is not moderated by information technology capability. However, entrepreneurial orientation mediates the relationship. This study concludes that niche market penetration strategy has the highest significant effect on performance of selected telecommunication application service firms. Hence the study recommends telecommunication application service firms should adopt activities related to relationship management in order to serve the needs of consumers and thus improve performance.Item Participatory Management and Employees’ Performance in Selected Water Service Providers in Murang’a County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2022) Njuguna, Elijah Ng’ang’a; Jedidah Muli; Lawrence WainainaGlobally, organizations are persistently considering methods to enlarge their companies in relations to employees‟ performance. Water service providers have addressed participatory management by involving their employees in decision making. This study established how participatory management affects employees‟ performance in selected water service providers in Murang‟a County, Kenya. The following objectives guided the research to: determine the effect of consultative management, quality circles, representative participation and delegation on employees‟ performance. The study further sought to examine how political environment moderates the relationship between participatory management and employees‟ performance in selected water services providers in Murang‟a County and to evaluate mediating influence of employee‟s commitment on participatory management on employees‟ performance. The study was anchored on role theory, resource-based theory, Servqual model and collegial model. Positivism philosophy was embraced and assisted in investigating relationships among variables. Both descriptive and explanatory research design were used. Target population comprised 5 water service providers in Murang‟a County stratified under top level management, middle level management and lower level. The inquiry adopted primary and secondary data. Self-administered questionnaires aided in collecting primary data. A sample of 206 participants was considered through simple random sampling technique. The statistical package for social science application software type 21.0 was used to analyze data. Validity of the instruments was ensured through construct and content validity. Cronbach‟s Alpha with a coefficient of above 0.7 was used to test reliability. Data was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics used to define variables characteristics included standard deviation and aggregate mean score while inferential statistics involved both multiple linear regression analysis and correlation analysis. Correctness of the data was certified by conducting diagnostic tests which included normality test, linearity test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test and sampling adequacy test. The results were presented using tables and charts. Hypotheses were tested using correlation analysis using significance level of p ˂ 0.05. The results of the research showed consultative management, representative participation and delegation positively and significantly affected employees‟ performance while quality circles negatively but insignificantly affect employees‟ performance. Political environment had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between participatory management and employees‟ performance while employee‟s commitment did not mediate the relationship between participatory management and employees‟ performance. The study concludes that participatory management through consultative management, quality circles, representative participation and delegation is vital and significantly affects performance of employees in water service providers in Murang‟a County, Kenya. The study recommends water service providers in Murang‟a County to engage more in participatory management as it positively and significantly affects employees‟ performance The study also recommends that Kenya government ought to come up with policies to guarantee organizations which have employed participatory management initiatives to get backing throughout the period they are implementing and after implementation of participatory management for uninterrupted employees „performance. The ministry of water and sanitation ought to work cautiously with the water industry regulators to tactically develop a superior understanding of political operating environment undercurrents for greater employees‟ performance. The management of water service providers in Murang‟a County, Kenya to institute programmes that will ensure employees is committed to the job and organization.Item Strategic Alliance and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Manufacturing Sector in Nairobi City County, Kenya.(Kenyatta University, 2022) Muthoka, Richard Kioko; James Kilika; Stephen M.A MuatheGlobally, the role played by Small and Medium Enterprises is critical in contributing towards industrialization and economic growth. However, this contribution is minimized by the numerous challenges experienced by Small and Medium Enterprises which also affect their performance. The general objective for the study was to investigate the effect of strategic alliance on performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in the manufacturing sector in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific objectives for the study sought to establish the effect of firm-based motives, environmental-based motives, and partner related motives on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in the manufacturing sector in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study also sought to determine the mediating effect of level of collaboration and the moderating effect of institutional pressure on the relationship between strategic alliance and performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in the manufacturing sector in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study was grounded on the resource-based view, resource dependence theory, dynamic capabilities theory, institutional theory, the model for inter-organizational network structures, strategic choice theory and the goal approach theory. A positivism research philosophy was adopted for this study while the study used a descriptive and explanatory research design which was cross sectional in nature. A census was done of all 74 Small and Medium Enterprises that formed the target population while the chief executive officer or a senior manager formed the respondents for the study. The survey used a structured questionnaire which was self-administered to collect primary data. The reliability of the research instrument was measured using Cronbach alpha coefficient and was considered reliable at 0.7 level. The survey data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the study findings revealed that firm-based motives, environmental-based motives, and partner related motives had a positive and significant effect on performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in the manufacturing sector in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The level of collaboration had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between strategic alliance and organizational performance while institutional pressure had no significant moderating effect on the relationship between strategic alliance and organizational performance. The study concluded that diverse firm-based, environmental-based, and partner related motives motivate Small and Medium Enterprises in the manufacturing sector to form strategic alliances and that these motives have a positive and significant effect on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises. The study also concluded that level of collaboration is a critical component that influences the contribution of strategic alliance towards organizational performance while institutional pressure, though an important factor that influences firm strategic behaviour, its effect was not significant on the relationship between strategic alliance and organizational performance. The study recommended that top managers in Small and Medium Enterprises should align their alliance formation motives to their value chain activities to enable them amass critical resources to support such activities. Future research can be undertaken targeting other sectors and counties to establish whether the same conclusion can be drawn.Item Competitive Intelligence Strategy and Performance of Regulated Microfinance Banks in Nairobi City County(Kenyatta University, 2022) Ouma, Paul; Godfrey Kinyua; Anne MuchemiThe concept of performance is pertinent to organizations as it gauges how well organization utilizes its resources to make income over given period of time. Central bank of Kenya regulated microfinance banks have been performing poorly as illustrated by huge losses declared by MFBs in their full year financial statements. Competitive corporate environment is incessantly operating to reduce rate of return on investment. To mitigate these competitive forces, organizations have resolved to collecting data at their disposal and transforming it into competitive intelligence through assessment and judgment. Thus, the current research sought to investigate influence of competitive intelligence strategy on performance of Central Bank of Kenya regulated microfinance banks. Specific objectives of research sought to establish effect of technological intelligence strategy, marketing intelligence strategy, competitor intelligence strategy, regulating and intervening effects of regulatory framework and competitive advantage on performance of Central Bank of Kenya regulated microfinance banks in Nairobi City County. Research was grounded on balanced scorecard model, RBV theory, Porter’s five forces model, institutional theory and adopted positivism paradigm. The study utilized cross-sectional research design comprising descriptive and explanatory research methods. Target population was 13 Central Bank of Kenya regulated microfinance banks. Sample of 344 participants was nominated using combination of sampling methods. Primary data was gathered using of open and closed-ended questionnaire. Reliability was be determined by Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.7 and above was considered adequate. Validity was established by use of face, content and construct validity. Quantifiable information was evaluated by both descriptive and inferential indicators while qualitative information was examined through content analysis. Outcomes of the research found out that competitive intelligence strategy absolutely impact performance. Market intelligence strategy and competitor intelligence strategy were found to be statistically significant while technological intelligence strategy was not statistically significant. Competitive advantage was established to partly intervene the connection between competitive intelligence strategy and performance. In addition, the outcomes also had shown regulatory framework regulates the connection between competitive intelligence strategy and performance regulated microfinance bank. Management of regulated microfinance banks ought to increase application level of competitive intelligence strategy to allow organizations create precise expectations on variations in the business environment, contest better in the marketplace, advance on invention and computerization, monitor contestants' undertakings and expand on effectiveness of their organizations by detecting threats and prospects before they become observable. The research recommends that prospective studies ought to concentrate on advancing information on competitive intelligence strategy to other sectors of the economy to aid in simplification of outcomes to all segments in the economy.Item Organization Development and Performance of National Police Service in Nairobi Metropolitan Region, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2022) Awino, Philip Ouma; James M. Kilika; Stephen M.A MuathePolice performance across the world has been a major concern as each police service is expected to be efficient, effective, and responsive, and be customer friendly. These have propelled various governments to initiate performance initiatives to realize their missions and visions in their efforts to meet the stakeholders’ expectations. In this endeavor, the Kenya Government has in the past years heavily invested in the National Police Service, through the implementation of various performance initiatives aimed at making it more effective, efficient responsive, and productive. However, the National Police Service is still characterized by inefficiency, ineffectiveness, nonresponsiveness, and poor customer service. This research sought to establish the effect of organization development on the performance of the National Police Service in the Nairobi Metropolitan region, Kenya. Specifically, the research sought to establish the effect of organization development diagnosis, organization development action planning, organization development intervention, and organization development evaluation on National Police Service Performance. Moreover, the research sought to establish the mediating effect of organizational health on the link between organization development and performance of the National Police Service. The research also sought to establish the moderating effect of environmental turbulence on the relationship between Organization Development and National Police Service performance. The main theory of the research was the Organization Development Model. Other theories include organization developmental theory, action research model, organization health model, and environmental turbulence model. The study used a positivist paradigm and descriptive and explanatory research designs. The study targeted 1111 senior staff in the National Police Service in Nairobi Metropolitan Region, Kenya. Stratified proportionate random sampling techniques were used to select 294 senior staff from five counties within the Nairobi Metropolitan Region. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Validity and reliability of research instrument were undertaken using Cronbach alpha and threshold of 0.7 was used whereas content, construct and face validity were ensured. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The organization development diagnosis had a negative significant effect on the performance of the National Police Service. On the other hand, organization development action planning, organization development intervention, and organization development evaluation all had a positive significant effect on the performance of the National Police Service. This showed that all the components of the organization development process have a significant effect on the performance of the National Police Service. Also, it was established that organizational health had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between organization development and the performance of the National Police Service. In addition, the study established that environmental turbulence as a moderating variable had no significant effect on the relationship between organization development and performance of the National Police Service. The Inspector General of Police should embrace organization development as a process and strategy in the implementation of the policy initiatives as well as embracing organization health as a critical component of enhancing performance.Item Absorptive Capacity and Performance of Insurance Companies in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2022) Kinyua, Jeremiah Kamau; Anne Muchemi; David KiiruThe insurance companies constitute a fundamental building block of the global financial system that provides opportunities for hedging against an assortment of risks and as well serve as institutional investors thus promoting sustainability and growth of national economies. Despite the significant role played by the insurance industry in supporting the national economy, there has been a notable decrease in insurance penetration trend. Similarly, the insurance industry has registered an increase in the number of complaints lodged by customers in relation to delayed settlement, erroneous deductions, and unsatisfactory offers. This study therefore sought to investigate the effect of absorptive capacity on performance of insurance companies in Nairobi City County, Kenya. In particular, the study sought to establish the effect of acquisition capacity, assimilation capacity, transformation capacity, and exploitation capacity on performance of insurance companies in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Furthermore, the study also sought to establish the mediating and moderating role of organizational agility and organizational learning culture respectively on the relationship between absorptive capacity and organizational performance. The study was grounded on systems theory, dynamic capabilities theory, Denison model of organizational culture, and the balanced scorecard model. Positivism research paradigm and explanatory research design were adopted in this study. The target population of this study comprised of 59 insurance companies operating in Nairobi City County. Cross-sectional data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire from 216 heads of functional areas in 27 insurance companies which were selected using proportionate stratified random and simple random sampling. Face, construct and content validity of the research instrument were confirmed accordingly. A pilot study was conducted to aid in the statistical test of reliability using Cronbach alpha index of at least 0.7. Administration of the questionnaire was done using drop-and-pick later method. The study had a response rate of 81 percent. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive analysis involved the use of frequency count, percentages, sample mean, sample standard deviation and coefficient of variation. Test of assumptions of linear regression analysis was performed. Linear regression analysis was used to estimate the population parameters and facilitate testing of hypotheses at 95 percent level of confidence. Results of data analysis were presented in tabular form as well as using figures. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The study found out that acquisition capacity, assimilation capacity, transformation capacity and exploitation capacity had positive effect on organizational performance. Similarly, organizational agility was found to partially mediate the effect of absorptive capacity on organizational performance. Furthermore, the findings of the study confirmed that organizational learning culture moderates the effect of absorptive capacity on organizational performance. The financial manager should develop a policy framework that would avail more resources for benchmarking, industrial workshops and seminars, insurance fairs and exhibitions, and productive collaboration with academia. Management of insurance companies should promote practices that enhance optimization of informational resources. The manager in charge of research and development should enact a policy that would strengthen practices that buttress the ability to inspect and monitor events and changes in the business environment.Item Brand Relationship and Loyalty among Household Consumers of Laundry Detergents in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2022) Gitonga, Patrick Kirimi; Reuben Kinyuru Njuguna; John Kuria ThuoOver the past two decades, several empirical studies have reported a decline in loyalty for fast moving consumer products which has been caused by proliferation of brands and entry of more companies enter into an increasingly competitive, saturated and globalised market. Among the different product categories which have shown a decline in loyalty in studies is laundry detergent. This decline has also been experienced in Kenya as the laundry detergent market has become increasingly saturated with brands and competitors, with the entry of both local and foreign companies. To address this challenge, brand relationships have been identified as a way of increasing loyalty through the development of strong consumer-brand bonds. Therefore, this study sought to determine the influence of brand relationship on loyalty among household consumers of laundry detergents in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The specific study objectives were: determine the influence of brand trust, brand communication and emotional connection on loyalty; establish the mediating influence consumer satisfaction has on the relationship between brand relationship and loyalty; and determine the moderating effect of demographic characteristics on the relationship between brand relationship and loyalty. This study was anchored on the social exchange theory which was supported by the attachment theory, expectation-confirmation theory and Lavidge and Steiner’s hierarchy of effects theory which explained the role brand relationship in building loyalty. Positivistic philosophy and explanatory research design were adopted in conducting the study. A population of 607,212 households in 11 sub-counties in Nairobi City County constituted the target population. Two-stage cluster sampling was used in sample selection, where 11 sub-counties were randomly selected from the 17 sub-counties in Nairobi City County using the probability proportional to size sampling method, and then 400 households were selected from the 11 sub-counties using simple random sampling from basic household lists developed in the study. At the household level, the KISH grid was utilised in selecting one consumer per household. Primary data was gathered through the use of self-administered questionnaires and interview schedules. The validity and reliability of the questionnaires was established before they were administered on the respondents. Descriptive statistics consisting of means and percentages summarised the sampled data’s properties, while inferential statistics involved the use of regression analysis in testing the research hypotheses and drawing conclusions. The quantitative data analysis was done using SPSS 25.0 and the results presented in tables, while qualitative data was analysed through content analysis and the results presented in terms of themes. The study determined that brand trust, brand communication and emotional attachment have a significant influence on loyalty; customer satisfaction has a partial mediating effect on the relationship between brand relationship and loyalty; and demographic characteristics have no moderating effect on the hypothesised relationship. Thus, the study concluded that brand trust, brand communication and emotional attachment have a significant effect on the loyalty; customer satisfaction and demographic characteristics have a partial mediating effect and no moderating effect on the brand relationship-loyalty link, respectively. On the basis of these conclusions, this study recommends that manufacturers of laundry detergents can increase loyalty by, enhancing trust and emotional bonds through enabling memorable experiences and feelings of affection and fulfilment; increasing consumer-brand communication exchanges that are informative, relevant and up to date; and exceeding customers’ brand expectations. Finally, the study recommends longitudinal studies be undertaken to track loyalty in the FMGC industry be done from a Kenyan context and Africa in general.Item Repositioning Strategy and Performance of Selected Large Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2022) Oduor, Beatrice Aluoch; James.M. Kilika; Anne MuchemiGlobally, manufacturing firms play a fundamental role in a country’s social economic development. Performance of manufacturing firms has not met the expectation of the key stakeholders because of several factors as exhibited by stiff competition leading to low market share, customer dissatisfaction, reduced profitability, environmental uncertainty, poor response rate to market crisis and lack of required raw materials. This study investigated the effect of repositioning strategy on performance of selected large manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County. Specifically, the study sought to determine the effect of network relationships, corporate rebranding and internal processes on performance of selected large manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County. In addition, the study sought to determine the mediating and moderating effects of organisational competence and environmental dynamism respectively on the relationship between repositioning strategy and performance of selected large manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County. Stakeholder theory was the main theory being supported by institutional theory, resource-based view theory, competency theory and strategic choice theory. Positivism philosophy was adopted for the study and descriptive and explanatory research design were used for the study. The target population was 107 large manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County. Four heads of departments from each manufacturing firm (Planning department, operations department, marketing department and finance department) were targeted thus yielding a sample size of 428 respondents. Semi structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Validity of the research instrument was tested using face, content and construct validity. Reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha (α) coefficient of 0.7 and the overall reliability for the instrument was 0.825 which was considered satisfactory for the study. Descriptive statistics were computed to describe the characteristics of the study variables while multiple linear regression analysis was used to establish the nature and magnitude of the effect of the independent on dependent variables. Quantitative data was presented in form of tables and charts. Qualitative data collected through open ended questions were analyzed using content analysis on the basis of common themes and presented in a narrative form. The study found out that network relationships and internal process control had a significant positive effect on performance of the selected large manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County while corporate rebranding had no significant effect on performance of selected large manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County. Organizational competences had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between repositioning strategy and firm performance of the manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County while environmental dynamism had no significant moderating effect on the relationship between repositioning strategy and firm performance of selected large manufacturing firms in Nairobi City County. The study recommends that the government through Kenya Association of manufacturers should focus on policies that promote networking and collaborations for sustained competitive advantage. The study called on the board of directors of the sampled manufacturing firms and the minister for industrialization to facilitate development of environmental management strategies capable of reducing the effects of environmental turbulence. Future research to investigate the effect of repositioning strategy on firm performance in other regions with different contextual characteristics.Item Strategic Innovation Orientation and Performance of Microfinance Institutions in Nairobi City County, Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2021) Muithya, Victor Mwendwa; Stephen Muathe; Godfrey KinyuaThe financial sector in Kenya is essential for the economic growth of the country. Moreover, Microfinance Institutions,which form part of the financial sector, are critical stakeholders in achieving the Vision 2030 economic goal.They provide financial services to the low cadre people in Kenya. The government has set up various reforms to ensure Micro Finance Institutions' stable performance. Despite these reforms, Micro Finance Institutions have recorded high losses. The study's main goal was to analyse the effect of Strategic Innovation Orientation on the performance of Microfinance Institutions in Nairobi City County. Precisely, the researcher sought to establish the how product innovation orientation, financial innovation orientation, organizational innovation orientation, and market innovation orientation affected the performance of Microfinance Institutions in Nairobi City County. Moreover, the researcher assessed the mediating effect of customer satisfaction and how the regulatory framework moderated the relationship between strategic innovation orientation and the performance of Microfinance Institutions in Nairobi City County. Balanced Scorecard, resource-based view, dynamic capability view, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, Theory of Innovation, and Institutional theories anchored the variables of the study. The research philosophy was positivism. Descriptive and explanatory research designs were carried out. The target population comprised 13 Microfinance Institutions with 1740 employees, and a proportionate stratified and simple random sampling technique was used to sample 352 respondents. Self-administered semi-structured questionnaires were used for gathering both quantitative and qualitative primary data. Moreover, secondary sources of data included reviews of credible published documents. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 23. The results indicated that the effect of product innovation orientation, financial innovation orientation, and market innovation orientation on performance was significant. However, the study found that organizational innovation orientation had an insignificant effect on the performance of Microfinance Institutions. The research findings also pointed out that customer satisfaction partially mediated the nexus between strategic innovation orientation and the performance of Microfinance Institutions. Finally, the findings indicated that the regulatory framework moderated the relationship between strategic innovation orientation and the non-financial performance of Microfinance Institutions however, the moderating effect of regulatory framework on the relationship between strategic innovation orientation and financial performance of Microfinance Institutions was insignificant. The study concluded that strategic innovation orientation is an essential resource that Micro Finance Institutions and other firms need to leverage for improved customer satisfaction, leading to improved financial and non-financial performance. Firms operate optimally under the control of the regulatory framework. The study recommends that firms’ intelligence cohorts, both at strategic and operational levels, need to focus on all the strategic innovation orientation constructs to enable broad decision-making that leads to improved and sustained performance, especially in a complex and ambiguous environment. Further, focus on customers is prudent as they are the centre of gravity for performance evaluation. Continued update on the regulatory framework ensures that firms operate within the law.Item Organizational Learning and Employee Performance in Classified Hospitality Firms in Kenya(Kenyatta University, 2021) Njoroge, Paul Thumbi; Hannah Bula; Rosemarie WanyoikeEmployee performance is critical to effectiveness, competitiveness and sustainability of classified hospitality firms. Organizational learning is key in developing organization’s human capital capabilities to respond to volatile business environment. This study sought to establish the linkage between organizational learning and employee performance in classified hospitality firms in Kenya. The study examined the influence of knowledge acquisition, information distribution, information interpretation and organizational memory on employee performance. Work engagement and organizational culture mediated and moderated the relationship respectively. The theories that underpinned the study were organizational learning theory, ability, motivation and opportunity theory, Kahn engagement theory and organizational culture theory. Positivist research philosophy and descriptive and explanatory research design were adopted. From a target population of 75 firms comprising five star, four star and three star rated firms, 225 respondents were selected comprising managers in charge of human resources, food and beverage and accommodation and conferencing sections from each firm. A selfadministered questionnaire was used for data collection. A pilot study was conducted and the questionnaire was revised. The data collection tool had a high internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha of > 0.7. Data was analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics that included mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics that included multiple regression analysis and correlation analysis. The tests were conducted at 95% level of confidence. Before subjecting data to analysis, diagnostic tests were conducted. The findings of this study reveal that organizational learning significantly predicts employee performance. Organizational learning variables, knowledge acquisition, information distribution, information interpretation and organizational memory, had a statistically significant positive correlation with employee performance. The correlation between work engagement and employee performance revealed a statistically significant positive correlation. Mediation analysis indicated that work engagement has partial mediation influence on the relationship between organizational learning and employee performance and the moderation analysis found that organizational culture has moderator effect on the relationship between organizational learning and employee performance. It is evident from the findings of the study that effective implementation of organizational learning practices and adoption and promotion of organizational contexts characterized by work engagement and values of innovation and risk taking, employee orientation and outcome orientation enhance employee outcomes in service delivery, efficiency and citizenship behaviour. The study recommends that firms should create an enabling environment for knowledge acquisition, new ideas generation and implementation, information and knowledge distribution, effective system of knowledge and skills inventory, retention of specialists and updated development programs. Formal mechanisms for knowledge sharing and cross functional projects should be implemented. Firms should ensure that employees have a shared framework of information interpretation and synthesis. A climate of collaboration and trust should be cultivated to ensure employees freely express themselves, network and share ideas. In order to create a climate of engagement, firms should focus on motivational aspects of jobs such as job autonomy and participatory decision making. To build a high performance culture, firms should seek a balance of values of innovation and risk taking, outcome orientation and people orientation rather than an extreme orientation to one cultural dimension.