the effects of competitive strategies on the performance of commercial banks in meru town, kenya
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Date
2013-02-19
Authors
Imaana, Eliud Nkunja
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Abstract
Since business environment is dynamic, firms need to review their competitive strategies on
periodic basis. The review is necessary to ensure that firms only invest in the strategies that
can make their business improve performance. Following this requirement, this research
investigated the effects of competitive strategies on performance of commercial banks in
Meru town. Specifically, the study focused on effect of innovative products, technology,
corporate social responsibility, staff training and branch network on performance of
commercialbanks in Meru town.
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This descriptive research targeted 42 top managers of the fourteen commercial banks
currently operating in Meru town. Thirty five (35) managers participated in the study
representing a response rate of 83%. The data was collected using a questionnaire and
interview methods after which it was logged in the computers, cleaned, organized and
summarizedbefore it was analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The data
is presented using graphs, charts and tables.
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Generally, the study shows that competitive strategies affect performance of commercial
banks in Meru town in so many ways; however, banks are mostly investing in competitive
strategiesthat will enhance them serve their customers better than other banks.
The results of the study show that although they have a synergistic effect, each of the
strategies has a role to play to en~ble banks improve performance. Technology enables the
commercial banks in Meru town improve.customer care, offer innovative products and
improve in management of information. The study confirmed the findings of other
researchers that there is a strong link betw~ehinnovative products and Technology; for bank
to offer competitive innovative products/services like mobile and internet banking, it has to
invest in competitive technology.
Further, the findings revealed that commercial banks in Meru are not investing substantial
resources in CSR because of its low contribution to business performance. However, they are
investing some resources in CSR because they consider it as an avenue for marketing,
increasingcustomer loyalty and enhancing relationship with local community.
On staff training, the study revealed that commercial banks in Meru town train staff on areas
where bank can improve performance. The areas of priority include customer care, product
awareness, general operations and security issues. Finally, it was shown that the uniqueness
of a bank branch to facilitate personalised banking cannot be replaced with branchless
banking. Hence, although investment in branch network will subside, banks will continue
investing in bank branches because they facilitate personalised banking and marketing of
bank services.
Description
Business Administration,2007