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The Influence of Conflict Management on Organizational Performance: A Case of Stima Sacco Society Limited
No full textA research project Report submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Science in Organizational Development (MOD)Most organizations seek to gain optimal level of performance from employees. Job performance is the level of productivity of an individual employee relative to his or her peers, on several job related behaviors and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of conflict management on the performance of Stima Sacco as an organization
The findings will be used to improve operations and improve performance through the conflict handling mechanisms that will be investigated as the most appropriate. This information will be used by management, the board and key stakeholders of Stima Sacco Society Limited to understand the best way to handle conflict so that performance is not affected.
A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population was employees from all cadres from top management, operational employees and other employees on casual basis at Stima Sacco Society Limited. The study‘s sample frame was the staff register that is managed at the Human Resource Department, The study used the census technique hence the total sample size was 153 employees. Structured questionnaires were the method used to collect data based on the research questions. The results were analyzed scientifically and objectively using the statistical package for Social Sciences version 21software. Data analysis adopted both descriptive and inferential statistics where correlation and regression analysis was used. A linear regression model was used to determine the nature of impact that the independent variables had on the dependent variable.
The first research objective was to ascertain the extent to which negotiation as a conflict management strategy influences organization performance in Stima Sacco. The findings of the study indicated that a majority (64.4%) of the respondents agreed that negotiation influenced organizational performance in Stima Sacco. In addition, the study revealed a positive relationship between negotiation and organizational performance (r=0.438); p value (≤0.05)
The second research objective was to establish the extent to which third party intervention as a conflict management strategy influences organization performance in Stima Sacco. The study findings indicated that (71%) of the respondents agreed that third party intervention influences organization performance. Similarly the studies indicated a positive relationship between third party intervention and organizational performance, (r=0.539); p value (≤0.05)
The third research objective was to determine the extent to which communication as a conflict management strategy influences organizational performance in Stima Sacco. As per the findings, there was no positive relationship between communication and increased organizational performance (r=0.038).
It can be concluded that, Negotiation and Third party interventions were statistically significant. This means that Stima Sacco has an effective conflict management in place. The study concluded that there is a good conflict resolution strategy in place.
Regarding recommendations for improvement, the management of Stima Sacco Society should focus on increasing the utilization of conflict management strategies like negotiation and third party intervention to increase organizational performance. The management should be sensitive to conflicts and set up effective communication channels to facilitate an improvement in conflict management
An Analysis of the Factors Affecting Implementation of Turnaround Strategy: A Case of Uchumi Supermarkets
No full textA Research Project Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to examine the factors affecting the implementation of turnaround strategies. The study focused on Uchumi Supermarket as a case. Due to time constraints, the researcher used branches within Nairobi, as a sample; the researcher focused on twelve branches within Nairobi County. The researcher had three specific objectives which were to establish the impact of organizational structure on turnaround strategy implementation, determine the impact of organizational culture on implementation of turnaround strategy and identify the effect of leadership factors on implementation of turnaround strategies by the supermarket.
The researcher used a descriptive research design. A sample of 54 employees from 12 different branches of Uchumi Supermarkets within Nairobi County was used. The study used primary data and data collection was done using structured questionnaires. Questionnaires were circulated to the employees by hand. Quantitative and qualitative data was employed in this study. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS version 23) was used for analysis as well as the qualitative software for analysis Atlas.ti for the open ended question. Presentation of data was in the form of tables and figures that included; percentages, standard deviations, means and frequencies. Correlation analysis was done to study the relationship between factors, multivariate regression model to study the relationship between independent and dependent variable.
The study found that the culture in the supermarket allows employees to participate in decision making, the supermarket also has a culture of tolerating risks therefore employees feel part of the process of turnaround. It was also illustrated that there exists a considerable power distance between the upper and lower cadres in the organization but that does not affect turnaround strategy implementation, the supermarket tolerates new ideas, and there is clarity of vision, mission and values among employees throughout the supermarket. The study also revealed that employees at all levels firmly understand their individual and inter-dependent roles in attaining the corporate vision.
The study found out that the organization structure allows for free communication between peers and seniors to juniors and vice versa, that the supermarket has clear lines of authority and that the organizational structure enhances turnaround strategy implementation, the
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study also established that to enhance turnaround strategy implementation, the supermarket selects the right people for key positions.
The study established that leadership of the supermarket gives clear communication towards implementation of turnaround strategy, that the current leadership is involved in the implementation of the turnaround strategy, that the leadership motivates other employees and communicate the importance of turnaround strategy implementation process, that the current leadership are not myopic in that they show preparedness and account for unexpected circumstances during the implementation of turnaround strategy and that the high integrity from leaders has contributed to the implementation of turnaround strategy.
The research study led to various conclusions: The supermarket has a clearly defined mission and vision statement and the power distance in the organization is not a hindrance to turnaround strategy implementation. The study concluded that the organization structure of the supermarket is not bureaucratic and that the nature of its structure enhances organizational flexibility critical to turnaround strategy implementation. It was also concluded that the current leadership is involved in the implementation of the turnaround strategy, the responses revealed that the leadership motivates other employees and communicate the importance of turnaround strategy implementation process to a moderate extent
The study recommends that supermarkets should have clearly defined mission and vision statements and the power distance in the organization should not hinder turnaround strategy implementation. Retail businesses should have their core values well listed since culture will be built from the values with time. From the findings, the study recommends that organizational structure should not be bureaucratic in order to enhance organizational flexibility in turnaround strategy implementation. The leaders should employ transparent approaches to give rewards based on merit as well as in alignment to the strategic planning process
Effect of Mobile Money Transfer on Corporate Business Strategy in Telecommunication Industry in Kenya: A Case of Safaricom Limited
No full textA Research Project Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of mobile money transfer on corporate business strategy in the Telecommunication industry in Kenya with particular reference to Safaricom Limited. The study sought to answer the following research questions: how is mobile money transfer driving customer usage of other services and generation of new revenue streams; how is it strengthening market competiveness; and how is it performing as a platform for service/product innovation and alliances influencing corporate business strategy telecommunication industry in Kenya. The study used explanatory research because the study was an attempt to lay the groundwork that would lead to future studies on the subject. The target population was drawn from Safaricom Limited and consisted of 7 directors, 10 management staff and 57 operational staff. The study used stratified random sampling procedure because the target population was heterogeneous. A sample size of 44 respondents was obtained. The primary data for the study was collected using the questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and regression analysis with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 21.0).The results of the study are presented using tables and graphs. The study findings established that the company has strategically utilised its mobile money platform to increase the usage of its other products and service thereby generating revenues via end-user transaction fees and from partner services such as banking and government services while saving on operating cost and keeping the revenue generated by promoting their services using mobile money. The study results also established that mobile money transfer has enhanced the company competitive advantage due to its innovative products and solutions which enable the company to easily transform its money-transfer platform into integrated service thus enhancing its market competitiveness. The study findings further revealed that the company has used mobile money to secure strategic alliances with financial institutions, other corporate bodies, both local and global agent network, retail businesses and technology firms for money transfers and payment services who now use mobile money. The study recommended that the mobile operators need to broaden their reach to a new segment of customers by offering new non-telco services in order to open up opportunities to cross-sell telecom services; to enhance the ease in which customers can utilise the money transfer platform as and when required, upgrading the existing value chain and to create and enhance partnerships with international money transfer companies as well as with local companies so as to create a valuable proposition for customers
Strategic Management Practices Effect on Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi
No full textA Project Proposal Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree of Global Executive Masters in Business Administration (GEMBA)Globalization in today’s information era has greatly affected the business environment. Organizations therefore must take deliberate measures to maintain and grow their business and make necessary adjustments to maintain competitive advantage. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya play a critical role in the economy. They created opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and employment. This research aimed to determine how of strategic management practices effected the growth of small and medium enterprises in Nairobi County. The specific objectives were to establish: the characteristic constraints of SMEs in Nairobi; the strategic management practices that could address these needs and finally how strategic talent management practices impacted the growth of SMEs in Nairobi.
The study adopted a descriptive research design. The population of interest was the business owners and Managers of SMEs in Nairobi from the Top 100 SMEs list. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. A sample of 50% of the total population was thus considered sufficient and was used therefore 50 respondents constituted the sample population for the study. Data was collected using structured questionnaires with open and closed questions. The researcher identified a pilot group of 6 individuals from the target population to check the reliability of the research instrument. Descriptive statistical technique of analysis was used and entailed the determination of the mean and frequency distribution of the datasets in order to determine the effect of strategic management practices on growth of small and medium enterprises in Nairobi. SPSS was used to aid in the data analysis and the findings were presented in tables and figures.
Results obtained on effect of incompetent management and leadership on performance of SMEs showed that organizations needed to establish a sound, tightly controlled leadership process. Results obtained on effects of supportive strategic management instruments on performance of SME in Nairobi revealed that; a strategic management system cannot achieve its full potential until it is integrated with the budgets and reward systems. Results obtained on effect of strategy evaluation and control on SME performance revealed that there should be encouragement of flow of useful feedback from managers and employees regarding the viability and effectiveness of the strategies
Based on the results from the analysis and discussion, the study identified that SMEs in Nairobi County faced numerous challenges in their daily operations. These challenges varied from increased competition, the ability to adapt to rapidly changing market demand, technological change, and capacity constraints relating to knowledge, innovation, and creativity. The study found that adoption of strategic management practices could address the challenges of strategic management practices in management of SMEs. The study concluded that to avoid power struggles between departments and hierarchies SME management should create a plan with clear assignments of responsibilities. The study also found that the strategy of a corporation formed a comprehensive master plan that stated how the corporation hoped to achieve its goals and objectives. Strategy formulation involved establishing mission and vision for organizations.
This study recommended that SMEs in Nairobi should always integrate market growth in their budgeting process, SMEs administration should ensure ensures that resources are allocated according to what is in the budget, and achievements should be periodically measured against strategic plan goals. The study further recommends that adoption of SME management should create a plan with clear assignments of responsibilities; senior executives need to abandon the notion that lower-level managers have similar perceptions of the strategy and its implementation. The study recommends that SME should allocate sufficient resources to budgeted items SMES should establish strategy-supportive policies, SME should establish information, communication, and operating systems that enable the managers and members to carry out their strategic roles effectively. The study suggests that future research should try to analyze the effect of knowledge management for future positioning on strategy implementation in small and medium enterprises in Nairobi
Effect of Islamic Banking on Growth of Small Medium Enterprises in Nairobi: A Case Study of First Community Bank
No full textA Project Submitted To the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Global Executive Masters of Business Administration (GeMBA)Islamic banking has gained a lot of significance in the contemporary world on the basis of provision of zero interest loans coupled with sharing of profits and losses through the principle of mudharabah (profit-sharing) and musyarakah (joint-venture). Islamic banking differs from conventional banking systems in many ways; the major difference being the use of Interest or usury. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are commonly acknowledged as the economy drivers and the Key contributors to gross domestic product (GDP) around the globe, including those countries in Africa and East Africa region especially Kenya. The SMEs growth has also been hindered by Market inflations that keep on altering the commercial banks rates; therefore there is a demand for Islamic Shariah banking and innovations. The Kenyan banking sector has been in a stiff competition to capture the SME market; this has impacted the growth of the SME business in the country.
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Islamic banking on SMEs in Nairobi City. The study was guided by the research questions: determine the effect of Islamic banking on SMEs in Nairobi City?; What are the effects of Islamic banking on growth of SMEs in Nairobi City? And what are the effects of Islamic banking on financial literacy of SMEs in Nairobi City?
The study adopted a descriptive research design in establishing effect of Islamic banking on growth of SMEs in Nairobi which is a shariah compliant bank. The target population included 4000 SMEs that operate within Nairobi Central Business District and all the 103 employees working in different branches of the First Community Bank within Nairobi. Using cluster sampling the study used a total of 440 respondents: 360 from the SME owners and 80 First Community Bank employees. The study collected primary data using structured and closed ended questionnaires as the research instrument. The data was collected using drop and pick later method and follow up via telephone calls. The collected data was summarized, coded, tabulated and analyzed. The study derived the mean, frequencies and percentages from the data analysis for each variable. Results of the study were presented in tables, pie charts and bar graphs.
The study findings of the study on the effect of Islamic banking on financial performance of SMEs indicated that the management team was able to improve the financial profitability and that Islamic banking has led to growth of my SME financially. Regarding the effect of Islamic banking on growth of SMEs, the study established that Islamic banking has offered me a different banking product from the formal banking products and that Islamic banking has ensured equitable access to credit for my business growth. On the effect of Islamic banking on credit accessibility among SMEs, the study found out that Islamic banking has customized its products for businesses. In respect to the effect of Islamic banking on financial literacy among SMEs, the findings of the study indicated that Islamic banking has improved financial decision making processes.
The study concludes that Islamic banking helps SMEs to grow financially which enhances their financial performance. The study also concludes that Islamic banking affects the growth of SMEs. The study further concludes that Islamic banking despite the existence of a reasonably well-developed Islamic banking sector; (SMEs) have typically remained underfunded. Moreover, Islamic banking has affected SMEs’ financial literacy by improving on their financial decision making processes.
The study recommends that the management of SMEs should seek to enhance their financial performance by increasing their uptake of the Islamic banking products. The study also recommends that SMEs should enhance their growth by actively substituting the different banking products given by Islamic banking system. The study further recommends that the management team of SMEs should seek highly customized financial products from Islamic banks to enhance credit accessibility. The study also recommends that SMEs should make prudent and rational decisions in connection to Islamic banking products as a way of enhancing their financial literacy
Penetration and Uptake of Insurance in Kenya: A Case of Shopping Malls in Nairobi County, Kenya
No full textA Project Report Submitted to the School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Global Executive Masters in Business Administration (GeMBA)The general objective of this study was to establish the factors that contribute to the low penetration and uptake of insurance in Kenya. The specific objectives were to examine how social aspects contribute to low insurance uptake and penetration in Kenya; to determine how low literacy levels contribute to the low insurance uptake and penetration in Kenya and to establish how lack of technological innovations contribute to low penetration and uptake of insurance in Kenya.
The study adopted the explanatory research design and the population of study was 30 shopping malls in Nairobi County, Kenya. Three malls were selected for the purpose of this study. The data collection instrument was in the form of a questionnaire with both open and close ended questions. Once the questionnaires were completed and returned, they were analyzed using SPSS (v.21) after which the data was presented in table formats, charts, graphs towards addressing the three research objectives highlighted above.
The study found out that there was a general lack of trust of insurance companies by the general public and poor agents integrity had led to low penetration of life insurance; poor claims management in the industry had been adversely affected by fraud arising from unprofessional conduct of players; customers had been misguided on the type of policies they should take and that insurance companies acted very slowly in processing claims. The study also found out that individuals depend on their extended families and that it was easier for them to access personal savings in case of an emergency as opposed to insurance.
The study established that customers read the policies but misinterpret certain clauses; insurance products were complex legal contracts poorly understood by consumers. The study also established that there was low level of awareness and lack of knowledge of insurance products. There was a general lack of awareness, formal education helped in making financial decisions. The study found out that educated people were more likely to purchase insurance policies and goes further to highlight that insurance companies in Kenya face the challenge of limited expertise and skills amongst their workers.
The study revealed that social media has been underutilized by the insurance sector in Kenya; there is lack of digitization by insurance companies which has negatively affected customer interaction in the course of a policy period; there is lack of digitization which has denied insurance companies important feedback from customers and that there was a lot of paperwork involved in processing claims by insurance companies which discouraged customers.
Based on the findings the study concluded that there is general lack of trust of insurance by the general public attributed to poor agent’s integrity where agents misguide customers on policies. It was also established that lack of trust could also be due to poor claims management where customers feel that their claims are not handled well. The study also concluded that language barrier made it difficult to understand what the insurance agents were trying to explain and that the legal language used in the insurance documentation application forms was very technical and difficult to understand by the general public. People rarely heard about insurance unless it is about buying insurance or a new insurance product launch. The study further concluded that there was underutilization of social media and lack of digitization by the insurance sector in Kenya which had negatively affected customer interaction in the course of a policy period.
The study recommended that insurance companies ought to invest in building customer trust by hiring well trained professionals to represent the company well and also to have a clear understanding of insurance in order to communicate well to existing and potential customers. Other recommendations are that insurance companies should work at simplifying the language used in their policies to make it easier for customers to understand; insurance companies should take it upon themselves to educate the public on insurance by initiating programs that help members of the public to have a general knowledge of insurance; insurance companies should make use of the social media to increase customer interaction in the course of a policy period and also to target potential customers. Finally, there is need for insurance companies to invest in digitization in order to reduce the manual processes that cause unnecessary delays in customer claims settlements
Effects of Multidimensional Culture on Organizational Performance of the Mobile Telecommunications Firms in Kenya
No full textA Research Project Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree of Global Executive Masters of Business Administration (GeMBA)This study investigated the effects of multidimensional culture on overall organizational performance of the mobile telecommunications firms in Kenya and had the following specific objectives: To identify the existing cultural variables influencing organizational performance, to determine the effects of the relationship between culture and firms performance within mobile telecommunications firms in Kenya and evaluating the effects resulting from multidimensional culture on organizational performance. The study research design was a survey where a total of 176 respondents composed of managers; officers and assistants selected from the telecommunication firm formed the study census. Primary data for the research was collected using self-developed research questionnaires and administered through trained research assistants. The data was later analysed through univariate analysis with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS). This gave distribution measures for the data collected such as frequency and percentages. The qualitative data was presented in narrative form under relevant identified themes while the quantitative data was presented in figures and tables including tables and charts.
The study findings indicate that the key cultural variables are employee involvement, communications and leadership style. They impacted organizational performance in a great way. The reward system was no so pronounced. The cultural variables indicate that the firm ensures that the organization is geared towards improved performance. However, merit-pay plans were found to be the frequently applied way to reward individuals for performance. The findings on the effects of multidimensional culture on performance indicate improved extent of teamwork among employees, promoted timely achievement of set goals and increased service delivery. In terms of efficiency, the study found that multidimensional has led to development of new products and services. Further, the study found that financial performance improved with increased corporate social responsibilities and market share. The findings on improvements that multidimensional culture has on performance indicate that there is improved project implementation, innovation intention and increased infrastructure development over the last few years. In terms of values within the organizations, the study shows that multidimensional has led to development of interorganisational relations and improved motivation and development dimension among employees. There is also goal achievement; collaboration and coordination thus achieve goals.
The conclusions of the study are that staff meetings are regular and participatory across the telecommunication firms and this has been a great input in multidimensional culture. They link directly to excellent performance by the staff in the telecommunication firms in Kenya. The application of multidimensional culture affects performance of mobile telecommunication firms in Kenya. Especially communications and reward systems, is enabled by the need for mobile telecommunications firms to lock in customer base. This was note to have promoted timely achievement of set goals by the firm over the years and also improved the level of teamwork among employees over the years. The main improvements that multidimensional culture has on performance include improved project implementation, promoted innovation intention, increased infrastructure development, development of interorganisational relations, improved motivation and development dimension. We also have goal achievement, collaboration and coordination that have been affected. Multidimensional culture has led to great improvements in establishing rules upon which people act together with the ways and formulas in which they communicate and achieve goals.
The study recommends for improvement as far as multidimensional culture is concerned. Harnessing the culture may help the organization to grow if natured with employee involvement, communications, and leadership style and reward system. On the effects of multidimensional culture, this study recommends that the level of teamwork among employees should be promoted to improve efficiency and financial performance. This could lead to increased corporate social responsibilities which can lead to increased market share. The improvements that multidimensional culture has on performance leads to recommend that improved project implementation, innovation and increased infrastructure development be advocated to foster greater commitment to the laid down firm’s philosophy and core values thereby generate shared feelings of engagement in achieving shared goals. In terms of values within the organizations, goal achievement, collaboration and coordination, the study recommends that rules to be followed by people in their actions in addition to the means and methods in which they communicate thus achieve goals be recommended
An Assessment of Use of Social Media in Business Communication in Kenya among Postgraduate Students at USIU
No full textA Project Submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree of Global Executive Masters in Business Administration (GeMBA)This study sought assess the use of social media in business communication in Kenya among postgraduate students at USIU. To achieve this purpose, the study sought to answer these research questions: What are the effects of social media on business communication and growth? What are the challenges of use of social media in business communication and growth? What are the strategies to address challenges in use of social media in business communication and growth?
This study adopted descriptive research design and the population of this study was 702 postgraduate students at USIU. A sample of 140 respondents was selected from this population. The study relied on primary data using a questionnaire. The questionnaires comprised of closed ended questions in line with the objectives of the study. A five point Likert scale was used for closed ended questions. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The measures of central dispersion including means and standard deviation were used. The findings were presented in the form of tables and figures.
The study found out that communication had been enhanced among the students through social media, social media platforms have transformed lives of students, recruitment of staff in this institution was enhanced by social media and screening of employees is done using social media and social media had helped companies to shorten hiring times in this institution.
The study reveals that the institution had turned to social media in conducting most of the business, social media can expose an organization to lawsuits, social media had contributed to hijacking as attackers gain access to the information of this organization, the use of social media had introduced viruses which replicated themselves in carrying out certain operations without user knowledge and Some messages posted on social media destroy the institutional name and negative comments posted by users of social media spoil the reputation of this organization.
The study established that the organization trains its employees on social media risks, social media policies were put in place and are incorporated into the overall institutional policies, the organization works with human resources (HR) department to establish new policies to address employee posting of work-related information and had strong passwords for safeguarding social media effects.
This study concludes that there is a general positive effect of the social media on business growth, information from social media is unreliable and that access to relevant resource is necessary for students to take efficient decision in their research and verification of information from social media and accounts could aid in providing credibility of the information gathered from the social media platform. Information from social media is unreliable and that access to relevant resource is necessary for students to take efficient decision in their research. Inadequate bandwidth, slow internet connections and inadequate computers, lack of privacy of information, expensive to access internet are the least challenges encountered by students in access of social media platforms at the institution. Verification of information from social media and accounts could aid in providing credibility of the information gathered from the social media platform. Additionally, implementation of social media policies and provision of in-links re-directing users to research sites in the social media platform cold attract more visitors to the site hence boosting social media as a tool of research.
The study recommends that the institution should continually embrace social media if they want to remain competitive. The study has shown that Social media has been effective in service delivery, with the increasing growth of internet users and low internet cost social media is expected to grow further and hence the need for to lay an effective strategy for the adoption of social media tools even in the future.The study also recommends that due to its damaging effect if mishandled, the institution should ensure that social media tools are handled by well trained and knowledgeable staff. Institutions should embrace use of social media platforms by formulating policies on how to use social media, this will ensure regulation and verification of information posted in the social media platforms hence making the information credible to be used by scholars for research and education purpos
Effect of Interest Rates Capping By the Central Bank of Kenya on the Banks Listed On the Nairobi Securities Exchange
No full textA Research Report submitted to the Chandaria School of Business in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the recent capping of interest
rates by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) on the shares of the banks listed in the
Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) of Kenya. The study sought to answer the
following questions: How important is the bank interest rate as a factor when investing
in bank shares? How attractive are bank shares after the interest rate cap was
introduced? To what extent was the capping of interest rates an event study?
The research design for this study was observational survey and data was collected
using checklists. Inferential statistics was used to study the correlations between the
various variables. This study involved a small population of eleven banks listed on the
NSE and a census was conducted. The validity and reliability tests were also discussed
and once collected; data was analysed using IBM SPSS 22.0 statistical software for
each research question as well as Microsoft Excel. A detailed analysis of the collected
data was done and the findings presented by use of tables and figures generated from
SPSS and Excel as the analysis tools.
On the consideration of lending rates by investors when making the decision to invest
in bank shares, the study found that there was a negative correlation between lending
rates and stock prices in third and fourth quarter of 2015 and a positive correlation
between lending rates and stock prices in third and fourth quarter of 2016. When the
interest rate cap was effected, share prices for the banks dropped significantly and this
means that interest rates are a factor that affects the decision to invest in bank shares.
On the preference of bank shares after the capping of interest rates, the study found that
the lending interest rates in 2015 did not significantly affect shares volume of almost all
banks compared to 2016 where the Pearson correlation values were negative in the
third and fourth quarter. The negative correlation in 2016 means that the lending
interest rates negatively affect the volume of the bank shares. The trading volumes
reduced after the interest rate cap was effected in September 2016 and most of the
traded involved a reduction in the number of shares held by investors. This means that
the capping of interest rates made the bank shares less attractive as investors were
worried about the reduced profitability from these institutions.
On the extent to which the capping of interest rates could be considered an event study,
the study found that in the month of August 2016 which is thirty days before the
announcement that the capping of interest rates had been made into law, there was
normal movement in the share prices and share volumes traded for the listed banks.
Between September 2016 and October 2016, share prices drastically reduced for the
listed banks and the volumes traded reduced as well. A comparison of share prices for
the listed banks in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the fourth quarter of2016 shows that
in 2016, most shares shed 10 shillings with some banks shedding almost half the prices in 2015. This goes to show that the capping of interest rates can be considered an eventstudy in the financial sector.
This study recommends that banks can look more into lending to the government and
capitalize on non funded income streams like foreign exchange spreads. Because bank stocks may not continue giving higher returns with the capping of rates, the study recommends that investors should look into into other investment areas like Treasury
bills and bonds as well as other sectors like real estate. The study also recommends that when conducting an event study, it is important to be aware of the fact that other non
event information or activity might occur at the same time as the event under study
which could lead to inaccurate findings on the event. It is also important for anyone
undertaking an event study to know that sometimes information can be reflected in the
share prices before th actual event date.
This study concludes that government regulations on the financial sector do have an
effect on the value that investors place on listed companies as evidenced by the market
reactions on the capping of interest rates. Most investors are looking at investing their
money in alternative investments after most of the listed banks posted a decline in their
annual profits for the year 2016 attributed to the new regulations. Extensive consultations with all stakeholders should be done when coming up with regulations that have such powerful effects in the financial sector
The Effect of Family-Friendly Working Environment on Productivity of the Working Mother
No full textA Project Report Submitted to the School of Business in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA)The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of family-friendly working environment on the productivity of the working mother. The research questions guiding this study were; What is the contribution of work-family life balance to the working mother’s productivity? What are the challenges against work-family life balance for working mothers? What strategies could be implemented to enhance working mother productivity? The research methodology used was quantitative explanatory research and the sampling design was stratified random sampling.
The research design adopted for this was explanatory research. A sample of 60 working mothers was identified and calculated for the study. The primary data was collected by use of a structured questionnaire which was analyzed but use of descriptive statistics. Data findings were presented through tables, charts and graphs.
On the contribution of work-life balance to the working mother’s productivity, the study found that the respondents were satisfied with their work. The availability and use of work family life balance facilitation, when provided, reduced work-life conflict and increased positive appraisals of the organizations. These results were often associated with employee attitudes such as increased job satisfaction and enhanced control over work schedule. These results were reduced absenteeism, intend to turnover, job stress levels, work-life conflict and increased productivity.
On challenges against work family life balance for working mothers, the study established that the organizations there was limited provision of lactation rooms for breastfeeding and expression of breast milk within the organizations which was attributed as a main challenge for the working mothers. The study further established that often the communication on work family life balance was neither sufficient nor open. Work-life balance options presented in significant levels indicating that they were in partial provision. In contrast, managers sometimes acted as barriers to mothers achieving appropriate work family life balance.
On strategies that could be implemented to enhance working mother productivity, the respondents highly recommended for the implementation of lactation programs, flexible working hours, job sharing options, extended maternity, onsite child care and lactation rooms in their organization.
The study concluded that the availability and use of work family life balance policies reduced work-life conflict and increased positive appraisals of the organizations. Job sharing options were occasionally available in most of the organizations which proved a useful instrument in balancing career and family commitments. Additionally, the frequency of mothers’ absenteeism from work was a rare occurrence in most of the organizations. This could be pegged on the family friendly environment which may have assisted in the reduction of employee turnover rates. This proved as attraction and retention means for working mothers with interests in bearing children.
Conclusively, enhanced use of work-life balance options like flexi time job sharing and breaks from work would help mothers acknowledge that the organization is facilitating their coordination of family and professional lives. This would increase productivity by increasing job satisfaction, organizational commitment, reduced job stress, reduced turnovers and lowered absenteeism costs as well as costs associated with the loss and replacement.
The implementation of lactation programs could help in enhancing the working mother’s productivity. Sufficient room for communication on work family life balance between the working mother and the immediate manager would offer support and consideration to the mother’s needs with a ripple effect on sustaining their productivity.
The study recommends that provisions should be made where possible for a family friendly environment such as leave facilities, family emergencies and child care within the organization for female employees’ to create a work environment free of frustration and inequity. To overcome the challenges that organizations face in regard to work family life balance, organizations should embrace formal communication on work family life balance by introducing policies that encourage work family life balance