Factors affecting the management of women groups’ micro and small enterprises in Kakamega District, Kenya
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Date
2009-07
Authors
Wawire, N. H. W.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Emerald
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to highlight the main factors that affect the management of
the WGs’ Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Kakamega District and Africa in general.
Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a descriptive research design. This is
because the study was concerned about a univariate question in which the researchers asked about the
size, form distribution and existence of factors affecting management of the Women Groups’ (WGs)
MSEs. The study created a profile on variables affecting WGs’ MSEs through collection of data and
the tabulation of the frequencies on the research variables and their interaction. Systematic random
sampling was used to select the sample. This technique resulted in a sample size of 310 respondents
distributed as follows: 95 WGs leaders; 143 group and community members; and 72 donor,
government and non-governmental agents.
Findings – The study found that the factors that affect management of WGs’ MSEs could be
categorised as financial, administrative, managerial, technical, political, traditional and cultural. The
WGs lack skills in these areas, which adversely affects the MSEs. The study then calls for full support
of WGs’ MSEs by all those involved in one way or another, remembering that “for women, a common
theme cuts across the struggles . . . whether at independence, liberation movement, the New
International Economic Order, or development, women have learned that the change, reforms and
revolutions were not intended for them”. Research limitations/implications – The study is limited to the data obtained through questionnaires and interviews which were descriptive and qualitative in nature. A study that uses both quantitative and qualitative data is recommended. Originality/value – The study is ground-breaking in terms of looking at the management of WGs’ MSEs in Kenya.
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Self development, Skills, Small enterprises, General management
Citation
Journal of European Industrial Training Vol. 34 No. 2, 2010 pp. 128-152