A Survey of Drivers of Performance on Women-Owned Small and Medium Enterprises in Selected Markets in Nandi County Kenya

Abstract

Women are becoming increasingly important in the socio-economic development of both developed and developing economies as they account for significant percentage of the operators of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This research study sought to survey the drivers of performance on women-owned small and medium enterprises in selected markets in Nandi county Kenya. The study was guided by the following objectives: To determine how leadership styles affect performance, to find out the effect of skills on performance and to establish the extent in which socio-cultural factors affect performance of women-owned SMEs in selected markets in Nandi County Kenya. The target population was 310 women and managers in tailoring, retail kiosks and shops, food kiosks, hotels, salons and barber shops, green grocers and cereals stalls. The sample of between 20% and 30% was adequate for a population of below 1000; the researcher used 30% of the target population. This implied that 93 respondents was the sample size for the study. The researcher employed a simple random sampling technique in identifying the respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect data, having both open and close ended questions. The questionnaire was given to the business owners of the women enterprises in selected markets in Nandi County. The researcher used expert and supervisors of Kenyatta University to ascertain validity of the research. Reliability was ensured through split-half method, where the instrument was pilot in two groups within Eldoret town. The pilot tested scores was used to calculate Cronbach Alpha where a value greater than 0.7 indicated that the instrument was reliable. Quantitative data was analyzed in terms of themes, while qualitative data was analyzed through statistical techniques using frequency counts and percentages. SPSS aided in coding and entry analysis. Data was presented by use of bar graphs, pie charts and percentages.