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Effect of transactional and transformational leadership styles on nurses’ productivity in the selected public, private and faith-based hospital in Nairobi County, Kenya: the moderating role of task structure
Get PDFFull - text thesisThe main objective of this study was to assess the effect of leadership styles on nurses’ productivity in a public, a private and a faith-based hospital in Nairobi County and examine the moderating role of task structure to this effect. The study specifically sought to assess the effect of transformational leadership style and transactional leadership style, on nursing employee absenteeism in the selected hospitals in Nairobi County. The study applied a descriptive survey design to identify, analyze and describe the effects of leadership styles on nursing employee productivity in selected public, private, and faith-based hospitals in Nairobi County. These include the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), The Nairobi Hospital, and Mater Misericordiae Hospital. The collected data was analyzed by both descriptive and inferential statistics. From the regression of coefficients, it was confirmed that transformational leadership style has a positive and statistically significant relationship with employee productivity. This implies that changes in a unit of the aspects related to transformational leadership style leads to a change in employee productivity. It was also confirmed (from the regression results) that transactional leadership style has a positive and statistically significant relationship with employee productivity. This implies that changes in a unit of the aspects related to transactional leadership style leads to a change in employee productivity. The findings therefore, confirmed that there is a positive and significant moderating effect of task structure on the relationship between transformational leadership style and employee productivity. The study finds conclusive evidence that transformational leadership style has a positive and statistically significant relationship with employee productivity. It was also confirmed that transactional leadership style has a positive and statistically significant relationship with employee productivity. This indicates that when leaders adopt transformational and transactional leadership styles, they are more likely to inspire and motivate their employees, which results in increased productivity. Leaders who exhibit transformational leadership behaviors such as inspiring their followers, providing individualized consideration, intellectually stimulating their employees, and exhibiting idealized influence can enhance employee productivity. Similarly, leaders who use transactional leadership behaviors such as providing rewards, setting goals, and monitoring performance can also improve employee productivity
Keywords: Transformational leadership style, transactional leadership style, nursing employee productivity, nursing employee absenteeism, task structure
Factors influencing the sustainability of Small and Medium healthcare Enterprises in Nairobi County: a case study of MYDAWA online pharmacy
No full textFull - text thesisSustainability is important to a business as it encompasses practices and strategies that not only address environmental concerns but also contribute to long-term economic viability and social responsibility. The general objective was to establish factors that influence the sustainability of healthcare enterprises in Nairobi County. The study objectives were to determine how social factors influences the sustainability of healthcare enterprises; to assess how economic factors influence the sustainability of healthcare enterprises; and to examine how environmental factors strategies influence the sustainability of healthcare enterprises in Nairobi County. The study was anchored on the legitimacy theory and institutional theory. The study adopted a mixed methods research design to address various gaps. Past studies about the sustainability of SMEs have been conducted in America, Asia, and Europe, but very few researchers look into the African context. In addition, there was little empirical evidence locally in relation to sustainability strategies among SMEs in Kenya. The target population of the study comprised of all managers and supervisors of MYDAWA Online Pharmacy located in Westside Towers in Nairobi County. The researcher used a census study to include the entire population of 26 respondents. The study used a structured questionnaire and key informant interview guide to collect primary data as per the objectives of the study. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The first objective of the study revealed that healthcare enterprises promote employees’ innovative capacity through trainings and community events geared towards promoting sustainability. The social factors had a positive and statistically significant effect on the sustainability of healthcare enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya. The second objective revealed that financial resources play a key role in the sustainable implementation of projects. The economic factors had a positive and statistically significant effect on the sustainability of healthcare enterprises. The third objective revealed that healthcare enterprises in Nairobi County provides employees with incentives for being more active in saving energy. The environmental factors had a positive and statistically significant effect on the sustainability of healthcare enterprises. The study concluded that social factors, encompassing community engagement, public perception, and interpersonal relationships, emerged as crucial determinants influencing the overall viability and longevity of healthcare enterprises; economic factors play a pivotal role in shaping the long-term viability of healthcare businesses; and environmental factors such as the regulatory environment, climate conditions, and community dynamics were identified as key contributors to the sustainability of these enterprises. The study recommended that healthcare enterprises in Nairobi County should foster community engagement and collaboration, as strong social ties can contribute to a supportive environment for their sustainability; Nairobi County Government should prioritize the development and enforcement of environmentally friendly practices within the healthcare industry; policymakers and stakeholders should focus on implementing supportive economic policies that foster a conducive business environment for healthcare enterprises, including financial incentives, tax breaks, and streamlined regulatory processes; and scholars and researchers should partner with technology firms, academic institutions, and government bodies to facilitate the integration of innovative solutions into healthcare SME operations.
Keywords: Sustainability, human resource capacity, economic factors, social factors, environmental factors, corporate social responsibility, healthcare enterprise
Analysing the effect of public participation on Nairobi County government’s legislation
Get PDFFull - text thesisThe problem addressed in this research pertains to the challenges faced by Nairobi County in effectively implementing constitutional mandates for robust public participation in legislative affairs. Despite constitutional provisions advocating for citizen involvement, concerns persist regarding the adequacy and implementation of guidelines governing public participation. These deficiencies have led to judicial interventions nullifying legislative enactments due to insufficient public engagement. The key objective of the research was to analyze the effect of public participation on legislation enacted by the Nairobi County Assembly. To achieve this, the research was grounded in stakeholder theory, emphasizing the importance of considering the needs and interests of all individuals and groups affected by organizational decisions. Adopting a mixed methods approach, the study integrated quantitative and qualitative methods to comprehensively analyze the research phenomenon. Methodologically, the research employed systematic sampling to collect data from adult residents (370) and key informants (25) involved in legislative processes. Quantitative data was obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS software. Qualitative insights from unstructured interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Quality control measures were implemented to ensure data validity and reliability, with strict adherence to ethical considerations throughout the research process. The findings of this research provided valuable insights into the state of public participation in Nairobi County's legislative process. Residents expressed concerns about limited access to information, hindering their active participation in legislation. Varying opinions emerged on the influence of public consultation, with some perceiving a significant impact while others called for more effective mechanisms. Additionally, gaps in public involvement were identified, including limited outreach and perceived inefficiencies in participation processes. The study also underscored the lack of structured feedback mechanisms, impacting public empowerment and trust in legislative processes. Based on these findings, comprehensive recommendations are proposed to address the identified challenges. These include proactive publication of draft policies and bills coupled with robust civic education to improve access to information. Improving the impact of public consultation requires reviewing processes for meaningful consideration of public input and establishing transparency mechanisms. Increasing awareness and engagement of marginalized groups is essential for improving public involvement, while structured feedback and reporting systems are vital for fostering public empowerment and trust in legislative processes. Overall, these recommendations aim to create a more inclusive, transparent, and participatory legislative environment in Nairobi County, aligning governance with the needs and aspirations of its residents
Effect of socio-economic status on performance of women owned Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi
No full textFull - text thesisGlobally, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a significant impact on the economic and social development of nations, particularly in developing countries. However, it is important to note that the ownership of these businesses is predominantly male dominated, leading to socioeconomic status for women in entrepreneurship activities. Therefore, the objective of this current study is to examine the influence of socioeconomic status on the performance of women-owned SMEs in Nairobi City County. Specifically, the study focuses on socio-cultural status, economic status, and demographic status and their impact on the performance of women-owned SMEs. The study is guided by empowerment theory and complemented by the resource-based view theory. The research was carried out using a descriptive cross-sectional survey design to gather the necessary data for analysis. A total of 14,232 registered women-owned SMEs across the 17 sub-counties in Nairobi County as participants. The sample size of 389 respondents was determined using the Yamane formula and stratified random sampling technique was used to distribute the sample across the sub-sectors. Primary data was collected through a questionnaire, and the collected data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The analysis included both descriptive and inferential statistics, with multiple linear regression analysis and correlation analysis being conducted as part of the inferential statistics. The study findings were presented and interpreted using frequency tables and figures. The finding of the study established that there existed a positive and significant relationship between socio-cultural status, economic status, demographic status and performance of women-owned small and medium enterprises in Nairobi City County. Future studies should explore the specific mechanisms through which socioeconomic status affect women-owned SMEs. This could involve examining the role of education, social networks, and cultural norms in shaping women entrepreneurs' access to resources and opportunities. Understanding these underlying mechanisms would provide valuable insights for designing targeted interventions to address the challenges faced by women-owned SMEs
Effect of record keeping practices on dairy farming business performance in Kiambu County: a case of Kiambaa Constituency
No full textFull - text thesisStudies have revealed that maintaining accurate farm records is a prerequisite for improved business performance irrespective of the nature of the farming activity that a farmer engages in. This study examined the existing record-keeping practices and their impact on business performance among smallholder dairy farmers in Kiambaa constituency of Kiambu County. The practices examined were the types of records kept, the methods used to keep them, and the frequency of recording. Business performance was measured using annual milk revenue. The study was underpinned by the profit maximization and competition-based theory as well as the Porter’s generic strategies. The study targeted a randomly selected sample of 400 farmers out of a population of 4800 dairy farmers drawn from the Kiambaa Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society. Factor analysis and regression analysis were used to model the relationship. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The general conclusion was that the type of record kept, frequency of record keeping, and method of record keeping had a positive and statistically significant effect on dairy farming business performance. The study recommended that the County Government of Kiambu conduct intensive smallholder dairy farmer training on the importance of record keeping and digital literacy through the extension department since agriculture is a devolved function. Also, financial institutions like Kiambaa Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society sensitize the farmers on the importance of good record-keeping practices. System developers should come up with simple, economical and standardized digital systems for recording to enable the smallholder dairy farmers maintain different types of records and update them on a daily basis in order to accrue the benefits that come with use of real-time information.
Keywords: Record keeping; Smallholder farming; Dairy farming; Kiambaa Dairy Farmers’ Cooperative Society; Kiambu Count
The Influence of firm and governance characteristics and the moderating effect of Capital Markets Authority Code (2015) on environmental, social and governance disclosures among listed companies in Kenya
Get PDFFull - text thesisThe study examined the influence of firm and governance characteristics and the moderating effect of Capital Markets Authority Code (2015) on environmental, social and governance disclosures among listed companies in Kenya. The firm characteristics investigated are the leverage and profitability while the governance characteristics examined were board size, board independence and board gender. The study targeted 62 firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) from the year 2013 to 2021. Content analysis was used to measure environmental, social and governance disclosures (ESGD). Ontological research philosophy was used due to availability of secondary data. As well, the cause-effect among the study variables was underpinned by the following theories: legitimacy theory, agency theory, and institutional theory. Panel regression analysis was conducted to test the objectives. The results indicated that leverage, profitability, board size, board independence and board gender positively influence ESGD. In addition, firm size was found to have a positive controlling effect on ESGD. Regarding the moderating effect, CMA code (2015) moderates the effect of leverage, profitability, board size, board independence and board gender on ESGD as shown by improved r-square. The findings underscore the importance of leverage, profitability, board size, board independence and board gender in enhancing ESGD. These findings are useful to researchers, investors, policymakers and regulators in understanding what influences environmental, social and governance disclosures.
Keywords- ESGD, Firm characteristics, Governance characteristics, Agency Theory, Institutional Theory, Legitimacy Theory, the CMA code (2015
The Influence of customers last mile delivery experience on the adoption of ecommerce: a case of Jumia
Get PDFFull - text thesisE-commerce has been steadily growing and causing disruptions in the way businesses operate. The convenience of online shopping creates both opportunities and challenges to the stakeholders that use it. Businesses prefer managing their supply chain processes to attain optimum efficiency for their survival. Logistics partners must respond to this change by providing efficient deliveries that are secure and reliable. Consumers of ecommerce on the other side are demanding convenient options for last mile delivery of their goods. The objective of the study was to determine the influence of customers’ last mile delivery experience on ecommerce adoption. The study got respondents that used the Jumia Kenya online platform and focused on their last mile delivery experience while using two of the main last mile delivery options; Pick up Stations and Door Delivery. The research measured the customer experience at the last mile using the CXD-LMD model. The research design used was quantitative and there was use of a cross sectional approach that enabled the researcher to collect data at the same time from different Jumia customers located in Nairobi. The research utilized structured questionnaires from a selected sample of 398 respondents. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The results on the influence of pick-up station delivery experience on ecommerce adoption by customers, the study concluded that pick-up station delivery experience boosts ecommerce adoption especially where the parcel tracking feature is available as it boosts the joyful anticipation of the customer. For the door delivery experience the study concluded a positive influence in terms of the delivery efficiency and the convenience which improves ecommerce adoption. The study recommends to management and Ecommerce firms on the need to ensure the last mile delivery solution is fitted with the right features like parcel tracking that show the progress of the delivery and the anticipated time the product would get delivered to the customer. The study also emphasized the importance of the visual appearance of the delivery vehicles, the packaged products and the appearance of the delivery persons as contributors to the ecommerce adoption. Businesses should use this as elements of competitive advantage. This study solely relied on questionnaires, future studies can incorporate interviews, observations and focused group discussions to get a more in depth understanding of the relationship between last mile delivery experience options and ecommerce adoption
Perceived effect of mental wellness initiatives of C-suite executives on organization performance of listed companies in Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisOrganizations have prioritized health and well-being for a number of years. With all of the challenges and barriers people faced during the pandemic, it is no longer "optional" to promote workplace mental health; rather, it should be considered a fundamental occupational necessity. One aspect of mental health that is sometimes disregarded is providing support for the mental health and well-being of leadership teams and C-suite executives. Therefore, the primary objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of executive-level management mental wellness programs on organizational performance. Specifically, the research only examined job enrichment programs, leisure centers, mental health risk assessment, and mental health medical services. The social exchange theory, psychological capital theory and the balance scorecard were adopted as anchors for this study. The study was grounded in the positivist philosophical paradigm, which is associated with the quantitative research approach. In addition, this study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research approach. The target audience was the chief executive officers of the 62 listed companies at the NSE. With 186 respondents in the sample, the poll explicitly targeted three C-suite executives in each organization. The study employed a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data and census sampling was used to choose study participants from the entire target population. To ensure a high-quality study, the researcher tested the research instruments in advance. Once the field survey was finished, quantitative methods such as descriptive and inferential analysis were used to analyze the data for this study. The statistical software for social science (SPSS v.28) provided support for the analysis. Correlation analysis tests revealed that there was a strong positive and significant correlation between organization performance and job enrichment programs, organization performance and recreational facilities programs, organization performance and mental health risk assessment, and organization performance and mental medical care. The findings from the regression analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship between mental wellness programmes for c-suite executives on organizational performance. The findings also revealed that mental health risk assessment programs had a positive and significant effect on the organizational performance of NSE-listed companies. The findings also revealed that mental medical care programs had an insignificant effect on the organizational performance of NSE-listed companies. Recreational facilities programs were also found to have a positive and significant effect on the organizational performance of NSE-listed companies. Lastly, the study found that job enrichment programs had a positive and significant effect on the organizational performance of NSE-listed companies. The study recommends that organizations regularly conduct comprehensive mental health risk assessments to identify potential stressors, hazards, and risk factors in the workplace that could impact employee mental well-being. The study also suggests that organizations should encourage employee participation and feedback to continuously improve and tailor the mental wellness programs offerings
Effect of data quality dimensions on internal audit performance of insurance companies in Kenya
Get PDFFull - text thesisData quality has emerged as a key factor in decision-making for firms across a range of industries in today's data-driven economy. The quality of the data obtained, stored, and used throughout business operations will have an impact on the level of success attained in conducting business both now and in the future as data becomes an increasingly significant component of every company activity. Additionally, poor data quality can result in poor business decisions, which can harm the organization's reputation and cause major financial losses as well as poor customer satisfaction and trust issues. Therefore, it becomes crucial to guarantee your organization's data quality. The primary goal of the study was to establish the effects of data quality dimensions on the performance of the internal audit amongst Insurance companies in Kenya. With regard to internal audit performance of Insurance sector in Kenya, the study primarily intended to focus on the following specific objectives: first to examine the effect of data security control on internal audit performance of insurance companies. Secondly, to examine the effect of data completeness on internal audit performance of insurance companies. Thirdly, to examine the effect of data reliability on audit internal audit performance of insurance companies in Nairobi Kenya. Fourth, to determine the effect of time-related dimensions on internal audit performance of insurance companies in Nairobi Kenya and to assess the moderating effect of audit professionalism on data quality and internal audit performance of insurance companies in Nairobi Kenya. The study objectives were anchored by two theories: Agency and Contingency theories. The study used explanatory research design with the target population being four hundred and twenty seven functional area heads from the insurance companies having their head offices in Nairobi County. A sample size of two hundred and six respondents were chosen using simple random sampling, and the sample size was determined using the stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaires were utilized as the research instrument to gather primary data. In order to evaluate the data, regression analysis was applicable with ordinal regression method employed to model the relationship between the ordinal outcome variable and the independent variables with results being presented in form tables, graphs and figures. The results revealed correlation (R) coefficient, R-square value, which shows a determination coefficient of eighteen percent. Then a significant statistical relationship between four variables and dependent variable and performance of insurance companies. The results analysis highlights the benefits of utilising data quality dimensions on insurance company internal audit performance, which was one of the study's primary contributions that was helpful to aspiring academics and researchers. More studies that quantitatively show the impact of the effective use of data quality aspects on internal audit performance, as ours does, are required. The primary objective of data quality dimension analysis in the field of data quality analytics is to enhance the internal audit performance of insurance firms, therefore this area of research was crucial. A fresh contribution to the field of study is the understanding of the elements affecting it. The study recommends that a risk-based approach on data quality analytics should be considered to enhance decision-making and trustworthy reporting.
Keywords: Data quality, internal audit, performance, Insuranc
Digitalization factors influence on enterprise growth among handicraft enterprises in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textFull - text thesisDigitalization has become an important component for the survival and growth of organisations and this become even more visible following the COVID-19 pandemic. The anecdotal evidence indicates a growing trend towards digitalization of the handicraft industry but this has been documented in developed nations and Asian context and less remains reported in the context of African and Kenyan handicraft sectors. Therefore, this study investigated digitalization factors that influence growth among handicraft enterprises in Nairobi City County. It examines the extent of digitalization readiness, digitalization acceptance, and digitalization diffusion on the growth of enterprises. The research was anchored on technology readiness, technology acceptance model, and diffusion of innovation theory. The study subscribes to positivist research philosophy and implements an exploratory research design. The target population was 725 registered handicraft manufacturing MSMEs in the Nairobi region from which a sample of 257 owner/managers were recruited into the sample size. A structured questionnaire was designed using close- ended items (background information) and Likert scale (variable information). Descriptive, correlation, and linear regression analysis was done and captured in tables supported by implications and interpretations. The results indicated digitalization (digital readiness, digital acceptance, and digital diffusion) explained 51.1% of variation on growth of handicraft enterprises. Further, digital diffusion, digital readiness, and digital acceptance respectively had a positive and significant effect on growth of handicraft enterprises. The study concludes that digital diffusion is the most important component of achieving digitalization in the handicraft sector. Therefore, the study recommends for knowledge transfer activities supported by higher education institutions as important for MSMEs to achieve digital readiness.
Keywords: digitalization, readiness, acceptance, diffusion, enterprise growt