Stratford Peer Reviewed Journals and Books
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The Mediating Effect of Human Resource Management Practices On Relationship Between Leadership Styles and Performance of County Referral Hospitals in Kenya
No full textThis study investigated the mediating effect of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices on the relationship between leadership styles and the performance of county referral hospitals in Kenya. Although leadership has long been recognized as a determinant of organizational success, emerging evidence suggests that its influence on performance may be indirect, operating through internal institutional mechanisms such as HRM systems. The study focuses on three leadership styles, transformational, servant, and adaptive and evaluates how they shape HRM practices, which in turn affect key hospital performance indicators including patient outcomes, quality of care, service accessibility, equity, and financial performance. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, targeting 51 county referral hospitals across Kenya, with structured questionnaires administered to 153 respondents in charge of leadership, HR, and finance functions. Data analysis involved a four-step regression-based mediation model using SPSS, supported by diagnostic tests to ensure validity and reliability. The results indicate that HRM practices partially mediate the relationship between leadership styles and hospital performance. Specifically, leadership styles accounted for 63.2% of performance variance when modeled alone, but this increased to 68.3% when HRM practices were introduced as a mediator. Regression analysis confirmed that leadership significantly influences HRM (R² = 0.524), which in turn significantly predicts hospital performance (R² = 0.507). The inclusion of HRM practices reduced the direct effect of leadership on performance, validating partial mediation. These findings highlight the importance of integrating HRM systems into leadership strategies to achieve optimal performance outcomes in public healthcare institutions. The study recommends institutionalizing responsive HRM frameworks that align with leadership approaches, and strengthening HR practices to fully leverage leadership potential. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how strategic human resource systems enhance leadership effectiveness and improve public hospital performance in decentralized healthcare environments.
Keywords: Human Resource Management Practices, Leadership Styles, Performance County Referral Hospital
Socio-Cultural and Socio-Economic Challenges Faced by Children Born Outside Marriage in Tana River County
No full textChildren born outside marriage face substantial challenges compared to counterparts born within marital unions, with incidents rising globally. This study examined socio-cultural and socio-economic challenges experienced by children born outside marriage in Tana River County, Kenya. The study objective was to establish the socio-cultural and socio-economic challenges faced by children born outside marriage in Tana River County. A descriptive survey design using mixed methods was adopted, with five villages randomly sampled and 690 households included in the cross-sectional survey. Key informant interviews (n=3) with community elders, in-depth interviews (n=5) with mothers, and two focus group discussions involving 8 male and 8 female community members were conducted. Data were analyzed using MS Excel for quantitative data and thematic framework methods for qualitative data. Key findings revealed severe educational exclusion, with 87% of children not attending school due to unaffordable fees, bullying, and maternal poverty, while enrolled children attended irregularly and demonstrated predominantly poor academic performance. Systematic discrimination affected 83% of children through physical punishment, verbal abuse referencing birth status, and exclusion from opportunities including bursaries and school activities. Economic disadvantage was pervasive, with only 36.8% of mothers able to support school fees, 60% of children denied land inheritance rights, and majority of mothers either unemployed or in casual employment. Maternal vulnerability was evident, with 40.3% of women becoming pregnant during adolescence, 22.8% unemployed, and 41.2% conceiving through transactional sex while 24% experienced rape or incest. The study concludes that children born outside marriage face challenges stemming from cultural stigma perceiving them as illegitimate, patriarchal inheritance systems excluding children without recognized paternal lineage, maternal economic vulnerability, and weak enforcement of legal protections. These disadvantages perpetuate intergenerational poverty, compromise health and education, cause psychological trauma, and threaten future societal development if unaddressed. The study recommends that the Directorate of Children Services should enhance comprehensive sexuality education to empower girls and women in sexual health choices, the Ministry of Education and State Department of Social Protection should ensure educational access through 100% transition policy with fee waivers and anti-discrimination measures, and county stakeholders should implement awareness campaigns about stigma's adverse effects while expanding bursary programs targeting children born outside marriage.
Keywords: Socio-Cultural, Socio-Economic Challenges, Children, Outside Marriage, Tana River County
 
Navigating the Evolution of Broadcast Production in Ghana: Challenges, Innovations and Cultural Implications
No full textThe rapid evolution of broadcast production has significantly reshaped the television industry, influencing content creation, regulatory frameworks, and cultural representation. This study examines the challenges and opportunities faced by Ghanaian broadcast production houses as they adapt to digital transformation. Using Media Evolution Theory and Diffusion of Innovation Theory as conceptual lenses, the research explores the impact of technological advancements on production quality, the effectiveness of regulatory policies governing digital broadcasting, and strategies for preserving cultural identity amidst globalisation. Through a qualitative approach, data were gathered via in-depth interviews with key industry stakeholders. Findings reveal that while digital tools enhance production efficiency and audience engagement, financial constraints and skill gaps hinder seamless adoption. Regulatory frameworks, though aimed at maintaining ethical standards, lack clarity in addressing over-the-top (OTT) platforms and emerging digital trends. Additionally, cultural preservation remains a challenge, with media houses employing localized content strategies to balance authenticity and global competitiveness. The study recommends policy reforms to accommodate digital disruptions, strategic investments in media innovation, and industry-academia collaborations to equip professionals with emerging technological skills. These measures will ensure a sustainable and culturally relevant broadcasting landscape in Ghana.
Keywords: Broadcast Production, Digital Transition, Media Regulation, Cultural Identity, Media Evolution, Innovation In Broadcasting, Ghanaian Television Industr
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
No full textEmotional intelligence (EI) has emerged as a vital component of effective leadership, enabling leaders to manage their own emotions and those of their team members to foster productive and positive workplace relationships. This paper explores the significance of EI in leadership, defining its key components and discussing how they contribute to crucial leadership outcomes such as decision-making, relationship-building, stress management, and motivation. The five core components of EI - self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills - are interrelated competencies that empower leaders to function effectively in complex social environments. Leaders with high EI tend to have better interpersonal relationships, more effective teams, and improved organizational performance. Empirical studies highlight the positive correlation between leaders' EI levels and employee job satisfaction, commitment, and engagement. Developing EI in leaders requires intentional training, coaching, and supportive organizational cultures. Organizations that invest in cultivating EI competencies within their leadership cadre are more likely to benefit from enhanced employee engagement, job satisfaction, and performance. In today's dynamic and complex environments, emotional intelligence is not just a desirable trait but a critical leadership capability that organizations must prioritize to thrive.
Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Organizational Performance, Employee Engagement, Job Satisfaction
Assessing the Relationship between Service Reliability and Customer Satisfaction in Restaurants within 3 to 5-Star Hotels in Bujumbura Province, Burundi
No full textThe hospitality industry has experienced significant growth, which has resulted in heightened customer demands. In order to remain competitive, restaurants must provide services that meet customers' expectations. Meeting high service quality standards is essential for dining establishments to satisfy customer needs and expectations. However, Burundi's hospitality sector faces service provision challenges contributing to business instability. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the relationship between service reliability and Customers satisfaction in restaurants within 3 to 5-star hotels. The study focused on three to five-star hotels in Bujumbura, Burundi's capital, to measure customers' experiences with hotel management using the DINESERV model. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the frequency, percentage, and means. The targeted population for the research was 299,000 people from Bujumbura city from which a sample size of 315 respondents was gotten. The data was analyzed using Statistical package of Social sciences (SPSS), presenting the results in graphical formats and run at 95% confidence level and 0.05 level of significance. The study employed a random sampling method of 25 three to five-star hotels, including their restaurants, with a suggested 35 restaurants to be included. Data collection utilized mixed research methods, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques through structured questionnaires and interview guides. The findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between service reliability and customer satisfaction in restaurants within 3 to 5-star hotels (p= 0.001< 0.05). Thus, null hypothesis was rejected. The study concludes that customers are greatly satisfied with restaurant that ranked highest in reliability in terms of their services. In view of the findings, the study recommends that restaurants management should focus on service reliability practices to enhance satisfaction of their customers.
Keywords: Service Reliability, Customer Satisfaction, Hotel Restaurants, Bujumbura Province, 3 to 5-Star Hotel
Influence of Teacher Perceptions, Attitudes, and Policy on ICT Integration in Basic Schools in Ho Municipality, Ghana
No full textThis study sought to examine the impact of teacher perspectives, attitudes, and prevailing policies on the incorporation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in primary schools in the Ho Municipality of Ghana. The theoretical framework employed was the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which asserts that individual attitudes towards technology adoption substantially influence their behavior and perceived utility of ICT products. The study utilized a cross-sectional research design and employed a questionnaire to gather data from teachers at six basic schools. The findings revealed that teacher attitudes were the primary predictor of ICT integration, with 75% of teachers demonstrating positive perspectives of ICT usage; however, only 40% reported participating in regular training sessions to facilitate this integration. Moreover, although current policies and teacher opinions were recognized, they did not substantially forecast ICT integration when evaluated separately. The study advises the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education to reevaluate and enhance existing ICT integration policies to ensure sufficient support and infrastructure, in addition to initiatives aimed at cultivating favorable attitudes among educators and conducting regular evaluations of ICT programs to pinpoint areas needing improvement.
Keywords: Perceptions, Attitudes, Existing policies, ICT Integration, Ho Municipalit
Relationship Between Trade Liberalization, Public Governance and Tax Revenue of the East African Community Member Countries
No full textAlthough tax revenue remains critical in meeting developmental challenges for all nations, tax mobilization in most developing countries like EAC affiliated countries has remained below potential due to numerous challenges among them wanting state of governance in tax administration. In light of the foregoing, developing countries like East African Community (EAC) member countries have prioritized numerous reforms such as trade liberalization with aim of enhancing tax revenue performance. However, due to varying state of public governance across these countries, the nature of the relationship between trade liberalization and tax revenue has largely remained unclear necessitating the need for an empirical study. In response to this development, this study sought to determine the effect of trade liberalization and public governance on tax revenue of east Africa community member countries. The study applied descriptive research design and collected secondary data from period 2000 to 2023. The collected data was analyzed using multiple linear regression. The findings revealed that public governance significantly influence relationship between trade openness and tax revenue of east Africa community member countries. This finding underscores the importance of creating a favorable investment climate devoid of extreme corruption levels for purpose of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) as a strategic approach to enhance tax revenue performance across the EAC region. Also, this implies that governments must integrate governance reforms particularly anti-corruption plans into their trade policy frameworks to ensure that the benefits of liberalized trade are realized through increased tax revenue collection.
Keywords: Trade Liberalization, Public Governance, Tax Revenue, East Africa Community Member Countrie
Assessment of Histopathology Patterns of Breast Cancer Managed at Alexandria Cancer Center and Palliative Care Hospital, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
No full textGlobally approximately 2.3 million cases of breast cancer were reported in 2022. These cases were distributed among different histopathological sub-types. In sub-Saharan Africa 186,598 cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022 and 85,787 deaths occurred annually. In Kenya of the 5985 new cases reported breast cancer contributed 12.5% of all cancer cases. Detailed data on patient characteristics, survival rates, and factors influencing mortality among breast cancer patients at the Alexandria Cancer Center and Palliative Care Hospital (ACCPH) is lacking, hindering effective management and treatment strategies. To determine the characteristics of patients with breast cancer, proportion of different histopathological sub-types of breast cancer and survival. The study was conducted at ACCPH using a cross-sectional study design. Census of all patients who met the inclusion criteria and managed between 2016 and 2019 at ACCPH were included. Data was collected from records using a data abstraction tool. Mean and standard deviation were employed to summarize continuous variables while proportions and frequencies were used for categorical variables. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival estimates procedure was used to analyze the 2-year survival time. Cox regression model was fitted to assess predictors of survival time, significance evaluated at p-value <0.05. Fifty-four cases were studied, 52 females and 2 males. Females contributed the highest number and 40 to 49 years (33.3% of the total) was the peak age. Invasive ductal carcinoma accounted for 88.7%, 2-year survival rate was 64.8%. Metastases at diagnosis and disease progression were factors associated with risk of death with a p-value < 0.001. Gender, age and metastasis were also significantly associated with survival time. The most affected age group was 40 to 49 years, invasive ductal carcinoma was the commonest histological sub-type, a significant number of cases presented with metastasis an indicator of late presentation. Majority of the cases were alive 2 years post diagnosis. Those who had metastasis had a higher likelihood of dying. Breast cancer screening among the females above 40 years old. Reduction of risk of metastasis by creating awareness for early diagnosis to further improve the 2-year survival rate.
Keywords: Histopathology, Breast Cancer, Alexandria Cancer Center, Palliative Care Hospital, Eldoret
 
Impact of Socio-Economic and Environmental Factors on Deforestation in Rwanda: A Case of Gicumbi District
No full textThis study examines the impact of socio-economic and environmental factors on deforestation in Gicumbi District, Rwanda, from 2004 to 2024. The objectives are to analyze spatial and temporal forest cover change, identify key socio-economic and environmental drivers, assess the effectiveness of restoration programs such as the “Green Gicumbi” initiative, and propose strategies for sustainable forest management. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining satellite imagery, remote sensing, and GIS mapping to detect forest loss hotspots, with field surveys, questionnaires, and policy reviews to capture socio-economic conditions and community perceptions. Results show significant forest decline over the past two decades, largely due to agricultural encroachment, charcoal production, and rapid population growth. Remote sensing confirmed continuous forest cover loss, while qualitative findings revealed low community awareness and limited participation in conservation. Restoration initiatives have had modest impact, hindered by weak enforcement, inadequate funding, and poor alignment between national goals and local needs. The study recommends participatory approaches that strengthen institutional capacity, expand agroforestry, promote sustainable agriculture, enhance awareness campaigns, and invest in community-led reforestation.
Keywords: Socio-Economic, Environmental Factors, Deforestation, Gicumbi District, Rwand
Supply Chain Constitutionalism: The Emergence of Private Governance Regimes and Their Impact On Traditional Legal Hierarchies
No full textThis review examines Supply Chain Constitutionalism: The Emergence of Private Governance Regimes and Their Impact on Traditional Legal Hierarchies, which explores the growing influence of private governance mechanisms within global supply chains and their implications for traditional public legal frameworks. The review analyzes the book's examination of how private entities, including multinational corporations and third-party certifying bodies, are increasingly assuming regulatory roles traditionally reserved for sovereign states. The review highlights the book's discussion of the tension between private governance regimes and state-run legal systems, exploring how corporate self-regulation and voluntary compliance frameworks challenge traditional legal authority. It covers the book's analysis of "supply chain constitutionalism," where corporations create binding governance structures that establish regulations and standards for business conduct within supply networks. Key areas addressed in the review include the legal ramifications of private governance systems, the challenges of addressing global issues through private mechanisms, and the implications for economic inequality and power distribution within supply chains. The review also discusses the book's examination of enforcement mechanisms, the role of digital technologies in reshaping governance, and the potential for private regimes to exacerbate inequalities while offering superficial solutions to systemic issues. The review concludes that the book provides essential insights into the need for balanced supply chain governance that integrates both public and private mechanisms, calling for collaborative frameworks that ensure accountability, transparency, and equitable treatment across global supply networks.
Key Words: Private governance, supply chain constitutionalism, corporate regulation, legal hierarchies, enforcement mechanism