African Journal of Emerging Issues

ORGANIZATIONAL READINESS TO CHANGE AND PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA: AN EMPIRICAL PERSPECTIVE

2024-08-13T08:16:18+00:00

Purpose of the study: The goal of this study was to find out the effect of readiness to change on performance of public universities in Kenya through an empirical lens.

Statement of the problem: Public universities in Kenya face enormous challenges due to changing environmental conditions, including low global ranking, weak university-industry partnerships, and low research uptake. In 2016, only 69,000 students qualified for university education in Kenya, less than 20% compared to 170,000 in 2015, following reforms by the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) to curb malpractices.

Research methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional survey design to examine 10 Kenyan public universities. The study targeted 220 management staff respondents through proportionate random sampling and analyzed the data using descriptive and inferential statistics with multiple regression analysis.

Findings: The study found that readiness to change by university leadership has a significant positive effect on their performance outcomes, with a unit increase in organizational readiness to change associated with an increase of 0.185 units in university performance. The results also indicate a standardized coefficient value of β = 0.230, signifying the strength and direction of the relationship between readiness to change and university performance when all other variables are measured on the same scale. Thus, the study can be 95% confident that the true effect size of organizational readiness to change is between 0.028 and 0.343.

Conclusion: The study concludes that organizational readiness to change has a significant positive effect on the performance of universities in Kenya. The understanding of the concept of readiness to change by university leadership is found to be a key impetus towards the achievement of greater performance in these institutions.

Recommendations: The study recommends that top administrators of universities in Kenya should establish clear policy guidelines that encourage staff members to adopt organizational readiness to change by emphasizing aspects like change commitment, efficacy, and implementation effort. To effectively implement these policies, university leaders should engage in open communication with staff members, soliciting their input and feedback to ensure that the policies are well-understood and supported at all levels of the organization. Furthermore, universities should allocate sufficient resources to support the implementation of these policies, including funding for training programs, technology upgrades, and other initiatives that can facilitate organizational readiness to change.

Keywords: Readiness to change, performance, public universities, Kenya

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND PERFORMANCE OF COMMERCIAL STATE CORPORATIONS IN KENYA

2024-08-13T09:15:58+00:00

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of transformational leadership on the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya.

Statement of the problem: Commercial state corporations in Kenya face unique challenges such as political interference and resource constraints, which complicate the relationship between leadership and performance. While transformational leadership is widely recognized for its positive impact, its effectiveness in this specific context remained unclear.

Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, targeting a population of 150 senior managers from 30 commercial state corporations. A sample of 100 managers was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis.

Findings: The study found that transformational leadership had a significant positive impact on the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. The coefficient of determination (R Square) was 0.645, indicating that transformational leadership explained 64.5% of the variation in organizational performance. All four components of transformational leadership (inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, and idealized influence) showed positive relationships with performance.

Conclusion: The study concludes that transformational leadership plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. Despite the challenges faced by these organizations, transformational leadership practices can significantly improve organizational outcomes.

Recommendations: The study recommends that commercial state corporations in Kenya should invest in leadership development programs that emphasize transformational leadership skills. Policymakers should design initiatives to promote transformational leadership in public sector organizations, and recruitment processes should prioritize candidates with transformational leadership qualities. Further research should explore additional factors affecting performance in these organizations.

Keywords: Transformational Leadership, Organizational Performance, Job Satisfaction, Employee Development, Public Sector, Kenya

AN EVALUATION OF THE CONCEPT OF MASCULINITY IN AFRICAN FEMINIST LITERATURE BY TWO MALE AND TWO FEMALE WRITERS

2024-08-16T14:51:37+00:00

Purpose of Study: In this study, the researcher examined how male and female authors have presented societal expectations, the idea of masculinity, and the underrepresentation of male characters.

Problem Statement: The area of literature and cultural studies has continued to address gender inequality and feminist arguments. While similar studies have been done, it seems the identities of male characters have frequently been disregarded in favor of the portrayal of female characters, particularly in feminist literature.

Methodology: The study was limited to four African feminist texts, two by male authors and two by female authors. Textual analysis was applied in analyzing the thematic concerns related to the study objectives. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the four texts; Margaret A. Ogola’s The River and the Source, Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood, Nuruddin Farah’s From a Crooked Rib and Imaginings of Sand by André Brink. The researcher was interested in analyzing the ways in which writers were inspired by different waves of feminism globally, gender, and writing style, have depicted male identity in their works.

Finding: Despite the fact that literary authors have portrayed male characters in their works, this study focused on how feminist African writers perceive masculinity, the underrepresentation of male characters in their works, and how this representation is influenced by societal expectations. The research study also planned to mobilize social agents, such as the government, educators, parents, and society, to promote gender equality in contemporary society. For the purpose of research analysis, this study combined the feminism theory and the deconstruction theory.

Conclusion: From the research findings, it is evident that; the concept of masculinity has been portrayed with less emphasis. Similarly, male characters have also been underrepresented and this is because, while the male characters remain constant, the female characters have continued to be presented with progressive characteristics. Additionally, the feminist authors have been influenced by the social ideologies, which permit male dominancy over the female characters.

Recommendation: From the conclusions made from the analysis of this research data, not only have the male characters been overlooked in these feminist texts but also, they have been negatively stereotyped. Hence, the feminist authors should address the issue of gender as a concern to both men and women in today’s society.

Keywords: Masculinity, African Feminist Literature, Gender Representation, Textual Analysis, Identity Construction

NON-CURRENT ASSET STRUCTURE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF NON-FINANCIAL FIRMS LISTED AT NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE, KENYA

2024-08-20T11:51:22+00:00

Purpose of the Study: This research study assessed the impact of capital structure and the performance of Non-Financial firms listed at Nairobi securities exchange, Kenya.

Statement of the Problem: Listed firms in Kenya immensely contribute to the country’s economy. However, poor financing decisions have led to most firms’ failure, which has posed a big dilemma to researchers, business managers, as well as investors.

Methodology: This study adopted a longitudinal research design. The study focused on 30 non-financial listed companies Given that this study comprised of a small population, the study employed use of census approach and relied on a duration of ten years ranging from 2011 to the year 2020. Data used was quantitative in nature which was obtained through use of a data collection form. Both descriptive statistics and multiple regression methods were applied in analyzing the secondary data collected.

Results of the Study: The study revealed that noncurrent assets among nonfinancial firms in terms of PPE had a minimum value of KES. 2,593,000.00 and a maximum value of KES. 352,429,914,000.00, while reporting a value KES. 26,662,601.74 for a period of ten (10) years. The findings indicate a significant positive relationship between non-current asset structure and financial performance, as measured by Return on Assets (ROA). This aligns with contemporary studies that emphasize the importance of tangible assets in driving firm performance.

Conclusion and Recommendation: The study hereby concludes that noncurrent assets significantly influence the financial performance of listed firms, supporting existing literature on their strong effect on financial outcomes.

Keywords: Asset Structure, Non-Financial Firms, Nairobi Securities Exchange, Performance.

FINANCIAL LITERACY CAPABILITY AND THE COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OF DEPOSIT-TAKING SAVINGS AND CREDIT CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN KENYA

2024-08-26T15:35:36+00:00

Purpose: The study sought to explore the effect of financial literacy on the competitive advantage of deposit-taking savings and credit co-operative societies in Kenya

Methodology: The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research design, focusing on senior management staff from 176 DT-SACCOs, with 3856 individuals as the target population. The study stratified the population into top management, middle-level management, and low-level management, sampling 900 respondents using the Yamane formula. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS v25.0, with the results presented in graphs, diagrams, and figures.

Results: The study reveals that financial literacy positively and significantly affects the competitive advantage of DT-SACCOs in Kenya. This underscores the importance of financial knowledge and expertise within these organizations. Staff and leaders who possess a deep understanding of financial principles can make informed decisions, manage resources effectively, and identify opportunities for growth, all of which contribute to competitive advantage. In conclusion, the analysis underscores the significance of financial literacy in enhancing the competitive advantage of DT-SACCOs in Kenya. These findings are valuable for guiding DT-SACCOs in their efforts to improve their competitive positioning in the dynamic financial services sector. Moreover, recognizing the influence of firm characteristics provides actionable insights for tailoring strategies to specific organizational contexts.

Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: DT-SACCOs should implement financial education programs covering budgeting, saving, and investment options, along with personalized counseling, and collaborate with institutions to expand financial literacy initiatives.

Keywords: Financial Literacy Capability, Competitive Advantage, Return on Investment (ROI), Economic Value Added (EVA), Customer Satisfaction, Market Share, Brand Differentiation, Saving culture, Investment decisions, Product portfolio decisions, Financial Skills

STRATEGIC PLANNING ADOPTION ON THE ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KAMUKUNJI TRADING CENTRE, NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

2024-08-24T12:58:23+00:00

Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of strategic planning adoption on the organizational performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kamukunji Trading Centre, Nairobi City County, Kenya.

Statement of the problem: SMEs in Kamukunji Trading Centre face numerous challenges, including limited access to financing, stringent regulatory requirements, and intense competition. While strategic planning is widely recognized for its potential to improve organizational outcomes, its specific impact on SMEs in this context remained insufficiently understood.

Methodology: The study employed a descriptive research design, targeting a population of 5,000 registered SMEs in Kamukunji Trading Centre. A sample of 365 SMEs was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis.

Findings: The study found that strategic planning adoption had a significant positive impact on the organizational performance of SMEs in Kamukunji Trading Centre. The coefficient of determination (R Square) was 0.469, indicating that strategic planning explained 46.9% of the variation in organizational performance. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.685, p < 0.01) was observed between strategic planning adoption and organizational performance.

Conclusion: The study concludes that strategic planning plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of SMEs in Kamukunji Trading Centre. Despite the challenges faced by these enterprises, effective adoption of strategic planning practices can significantly improve organizational outcomes.

Recommendations: The study recommends that SMEs in Kamukunji Trading Centre should invest in training and capacity building for strategic planning. Policymakers should design supportive policies and provide access to strategic planning tools tailored for SMEs. Further research should explore additional factors affecting SME performance in this context and investigate the long-term impact of strategic planning adoption.

Keywords: Strategic Planning, SMEs, Organizational Performance, Kamukunji Trading Centre, Kenya

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTROL AND PERFORMANCE OF TOURISM ORGANIZATIONS IN TANZANIA

2024-09-03T09:38:27+00:00

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of organizational control on the performance of tourism organizations in Tanzania.

Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional survey design with a sample of 280 respondents from 140 tourism-related organizations. Data was collected through primary and secondary methods, analyzed using SPSS, and involved reliability testing, normality tests, factor analysis, and logit model analysis. Hypotheses were tested using t-tests, and qualitative data was analyzed through summative content analysis.

Results: The study found that the performance of tourism organizations is heavily dependent on continuous strategic control, integrating process and result monitoring. Lack of strategic controls poses a significant threat to revenue, growth, and overall success, potentially leading to resource uncertainties and external threats.

Recommendations: The study recommends that tourism organizations must implement plans for continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure future success.

Key Words: Organization Control, Performance, Tourism Organizations in Tanzania

INFLUENCE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL GREEN CONSUMER DEMAND ON INNOVATION PERFORMANCE OF MANUFACTURING SMES IN NAIROBI, KENYA

2024-09-05T16:31:57+00:00

Purpose of Study: The study aimed to examine the influence of entrepreneurial green consumer demand on the innovation performance of manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi.

Statement of Problem: There is a need to understand how entrepreneurial green consumer demand impacts the innovation performance of manufacturing SMEs in Nairobi, as this relationship could inform better marketing and innovation strategies within the sector.

Methodology: The study employed a descriptive design, targeting 172 SMEs in Nairobi's manufacturing sector. A stratified random sample of 120 owner-managers was surveyed using questionnaires and interviews. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, with linear regression assessing variable relationships.

Result: The model results indicated that the coefficient of entrepreneurial green consumer demand has a positive and statistically significant relationship with the innovation performance of manufacturing SMEs (β = 0.787, p = 0.0001 < 0.05). The study recommends that SMEs in Kenya adopt consumer-driven marketing practices, as they significantly enhance innovation.

Recommendation: SMEs in Kenya should adopt consumer-driven marketing practices to enhance innovation performance.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial green consumer demand, innovation performance, Manufacturing SMEs, Nairobi