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Authentic Leadership: Its Significance in Developing Authentic Leadership Practices
No full textAlmost all types of organizations extending from the private, public or even the non-government organizations are struggling with encounters and challenges that extend from ethical ruin, squalor and degradation to radicalism, violence and terrorism. These encounters and challenges that are facing the contemporary organizational leaders are not melting down, instead they are snowballing at an alarming rate more especially with the experienced changes in market demands, technical and technological developments, and high competition. Due to these challenges and setback, a dire need arose in search of new leadership styles and new kinds of leaders that aim at reinstating, restoring and reestablishing hopefulness, confidence, assurance, sanguinity and buoyancy as well as leaders who can help employees and other stakeholders in the process of searching self-awareness and better networks at the place of work. It is through authentic leaders that organizations can develop authentic leadership practices in all their operations and endeavors.
Keywords: Authentic Leadership & Leadership Practices
Role of ICT in Dissemination of Information in Secondary Schools in Kenya: A Literature Based Review
No full textInformation and Communication Technology (ICT) is an electronic means of capturing processing, storing and disseminating information. In education, information and communication technology is seen to encompass the use of a wide range of technologies including computers, the internet and interactive video. Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays a critical role in the dissemination of information around the world. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are defined as a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate and to create, disseminate, store, and manage information. The purpose of the study was to establish the role of ICT in Dissemination of Information in Secondary Schools in Kenya: A Literature Based Review. The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes. A critical review of empirical literature was conducted to establish the role of ICT in information dissemination in schools. It was established that Information Communication Technology (ICT) plays a critical role in the dissemination of information in schools. Result findings from literature based review indicated that ICT facilitated efficient and economic storage, retrieval and dissemination of accurate information which improved the administration processes in schools. It was also established that through the integration of ICT for example instance internet, emails, video conferencing new venture of communication dissemination in schools has been established. Due to the recent development in ICT, school administrators use ICT for improved communication as a process of transforming thoughts, sharing and imparting of information among different schools, and knowledge experts locally and all over the world which in return enhances the administration of their schools. It was found that ICT is relevant in facilitating effective and quick decision making, aiding analyzing data quickly and accurately, facilitating information gathering & dissemination, enhancing monitoring of educational facilities & resources, facilitating adequate data storage, improving coordination of tasks and activities, making administrators more productive, enhancing effective communication and knowledge sharing, facilitating fast educational planning process, improving skill acquisition & development and enhancing data processing. The study concluded that ICT has a significant role in the dissemination of information in schools. It is also concluded that that ICT has played a big role in the communication and dissemination of information in schools. The study recommended that the government through the ministry of education should lay out ICT infrastructure in schools to facilitate the use of ICT in the managements of schools. Through the laying down of ICT infrastructure such as the internet, secondary schools in Kenya will be able to receive, retrieve and disseminate information effectively.
Key words: Information Communication Technology, Secondary Schools, Keny
Evaluating the Food Handlers Hygiene Practices as Determinants of Customer Choice at Selected African Indigenous Restaurants in Nairobi City County, Kenya
No full textDining is a common phenomenon in major cities and towns, especially in modern lifestyle where people have limited time due to work and other related engagements. Indigenous restaurants have become a preference for most consumers although their patronage varies, attributed to various push factors such as health, curiosity and variety. Although hygiene is an important aspect in choosing where to dine, most customers are not keen to observe it. This study explored food handlers hygiene practices as determinants of customers choice of selected African indigenous restaurants’ in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey targeting 15 selected African indigenous restaurants. Cochran formula was used to determine a sample size of three hundred and eighty-four (384) customers from a population of 2,560 through convenient sampling. Data collection instruments were two questionnaires, an interview guide and an observation checklist. Qualitative data was ordered, coded and summarized in compilation sheets for easier analysis in addition to inferential statistics. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical packages for social sciences with levels of significance established using paired tests with a cut-off point of P < 0.05, (95%) confidence and significance levels. Chi square Pearsons correlation coefficient tests were calculated to identify the correlation between food handlers hygiene practices and customers choice of restaurants. The findings presented a c 2 = 4.244, df = 2 and p = 0.133 which is > 0.05. With a significance level > 0.05 (0.133), the alternative hypothesis (H1) was rejected. The findings showed that there was no significant relationship between the two variables. Most customers were not keen on hygiene standards as evidenced in some restaurants where regardless of the poor hygiene practices present, there were still high flows of customers. The study concluded that even though hygiene practices have an effect on the customers’ choice of the restaurants, the effect is not significant. The study recommended the public health authorities in the urban centers to educate all restaurant stakeholders on food hygiene regulations and inform consumers about hazards associated with improper handling of food. The study further recommended that restaurants operators to adhere to the food hygiene regulations and similar studies to be done in other localities, in rural restaurants, and to incorporate more restaurants
Keywords: Food Handlers, Hygiene Practices, Customer Choice & African Indigenous Restaurants
Dynamic Relationship between the Housing Prices and Selected Macroeconomic Variables in Kenya
No full textIn Kenya housing prices are considered high and have still continued to rise. This has made housing affordability and access a preserve of the top income earners. Consequently, large population live in houses with reduced access to clean water, sanitation, unreliable and unhealthy energy sources, increased exposure to diseases and low levels of financial security. Arable land is also being converted to residential centers which is constraining on public goods provision and agricultural output. Housing prices behavior have been known to influence business cycle dynamics by affecting aggregate expenditure and also the performance of the financial system through their effect on the profitability and stability. This study examined the dynamic relationship between housing prices and selected macroeconomic variables in Kenya. In doing this, the study used time series data for the period 1960 to 2015 and VAR models. The VAR models were selected where Toda and Yamamoto (1995) methodology was used. This is a modified version of granger causality test based on augmented VAR modeling. The study findings indicate that the housing prices dynamically relate with the selected macroeconomic variables. The study therefore concludes that housing prices have a positive contemporaneous impact on the selected macroeconomic variables indicating the existence of mutually reinforcing cycles between the housing prices and the selected macroeconomic variables. Therefore, there is need to observe the housing prices movements to avoid the cost that could result in case of instability in the housing market.
Key words: Housing Prices, Macroeconomic Stability, Housing Price Boom and Affordabilit
An Analysis of the Long-Run Performance IPOs and Effects in the Kenyan Stock Market
No full textThe pricing behavior of Initial Public Offers (IPOs) has been one of the great mysteries of modern corporate finance. An entity that desires to initiate an IPO in Kenya has to first obtain the authorization from Capital Markets Authority (CMA) before it can carry out an IPO. Before CMA considers an IPO proposal from any entity, the entity must first comply with the legal requirements. The study investigated the long-run performance Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and effects in the Kenyan stock market. The study used descriptive survey research design. The target population for the study was 64 listed companies. A total of six companies which made IPOs between 2007-2014 where considered from the population. Data used was purely secondary data from the NSE website and individual company website. Collected data was analyzed using Mean Adjustment Buy Hold Returns (MABHR) and Cumulative Abnormal Returns (CAR) and test of significance at 95% confidence level. The finding indicated that using MABHR methodology IPOs over performed the market by 0.17%. Co-Operative Bank Ltd, BRITAM and Home Afrika over performed the market by 0.20% 0.40% and 1.12% respectively for the long run months of trading. Access Kenya Group, Kenya RE and Safaricom underperformed the market in 60 months of trading by -0.13%, -0.14%, and -0.44% respectively. Using CAR methodology IPOs underperformed the market by 0.49%. Access Kenya and Co-Operative Bank Ltd over performed the market by 0.61% and 1.04% respectively for the 60 months of trading. Kenya Re, Safaricom, BRITAM and Home Afrika underperformed the market in 60 months of trading by -0.33%, -1.41%, -1.09 and -1.76% respectively. The MABHR t-test results show that there was a significant difference between the short run and long run of Co-operative and Home Africa and insignificant MABHR t-test between the short run and the long run of Access Kenya, Safaricom, Britam and Kenya Re. Further, CAR t-test results show that there was a significant difference between the short run and long run of Access Kenya, Kenya Re and Britam and insignificant CAR t-test results between the short run and the long run of Co-operative Bank, Safaricom and Home Afrika. The study recommended for the implementation of policies by the NSE management so as to have a consistent performance.
Keywords: Initial Public Offers, Long-run, Short-run, Performance and Kenyan Stock Marke
Relationship between Business Process Outsourcing and Performance of Oil and Gas Distribution Firms in Kenya
No full textresulting in a more globalized, integrated, interdependent and competitive world economy. It is driven mainly by global competitiveness and the need for firms to reduce costs and increase operational efficiency by focusing firm resources on growing core business. Outsourcing service providers in the oil and gas distribution firms in Kenya are categorized into specialist service providers, direct service providers and indirect service providers. However, the liberalization of the petroleum sector in Kenya in 1994 forced several multinational firms such as Esso Limited, Mobil Limited, Caltex Limited, Beyond Petroleum (BP) and Agip Limited to prematurely exit the market. Reduced profit margins, negative returns and a distribution infrastructure system that was inadequate, unreliable and unable to meet local and regional supply chain and market demands were cited as the main reasons for their exit from the market. The study determined the relationship between BPO and performance of oil and gas distribution firms in Kenya. Cross sectional descriptive survey research design was used in the study. Population consisted of all the oil and gas distribution firms in Kenya registered with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), who formed the sample size for the study. Primary and secondary data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and documented annual reports, audited financial statements and revenue statistics. Simple & multiple regression and correlation analyses were used to test the hypothesis. Findings indicated that BPO contributed significantly to performance (Beta = 0.868, (R2) = 0.804 p< 0.05). It was concluded that BPO indicators; logistics and distribution, finance and accounting, human resources, ICT services, and procurement and supply chain management contribute to the performance of the oil and gas distribution firms. The recommendation was that managers must therefore, recognize this interaction and formulate their promotion strategies accordingly. Managers must continuously lay outsourcing strategies on logistics and distribution finance and accounting, human resources, ICT services, procurement and supply chain.
Keywords: Business process outsourcing, Performance, oil and gas distributio
Effect of Leadership Styles on Strategy Implementation in the Administration Police Service in Lamu County, Kenya
No full textOrganizations require effective leadership to achieve their goals and objectives, it is necessary for them to adjust their leadership style through strategy. However, a significant number of strategic initiatives fail during their implementation since it has been recognized as the biggest challenge for organizations. Kenya's Vision 2030 lays emphasis on security as crucial pillars for economic growth implying the police play a crucial role in creating the conditions in which development can take place. The Administration Police Service in trying to better its service delivery has so far drawn up three strategic plan with 2013-2017 being the current plan under implementation. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of strategic leadership styles on strategic implementation in the administration police service in Lamu County. The study adopted a descriptive research design. Descriptive statistics was chosen since it utilizes data collection and analysis techniques that yield reports concerning the measures of central tendency, variation, and correlation. The combination of its characteristic summary and correlation statistics, along with its focus on specific types of research questions, methods, and outcomes necessitated the choice of this design. The target population comprised 450 APs in Lamu County both among the senior leadership and among junior officers. Yamane formula was used to calculate the sampling size of 212. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires that had both close ended and open-ended questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS. The study conducted various tests including normality test, multicollinearity, stationarity, heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation tests. Test of hypothesis was done at 95% confidence interval. The study found out that there was a positive and significant relationship between leadership style and Strategic Implementation (r=0.099, p=0.000. The null hypothesis was rejected. Based on the findings, the study concluded that leadership style has a positive and significant effect on Strategic implementation. The study recommended for enhancement of leadership styles in the administration police to maximize on the determinants that influence strategy implementation at APS. This will assist in being stronger in what is exactly influencing their strategy implementation.
Keywords: Strategic Leadership Style, Strategy Implementation, Administration Police Service & Lamu County
Impact of Health Education in Changing Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Caregivers of Malnourished Children in Bobirwa District, Botswana
No full textThe purpose of this study was to explore on performance of Health Education (HE) component of Bobirwa District Malnutrition Rehabilitation program in Botswana. Under-five Malnutrition is persistent in Bobirwa District in spite of the rehabilitation program which consist of facility based complimentary feeding and HE. Between August 2015 and August 2016, we enrolled 101 pairs of malnourished children and their caregivers in a mixed methods observational study. Baseline anthropometric measures and data concerning knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of the caretakers were taken. Progress was tracked monthly for 4 months. Only KAP progress is reported here. Only 38.3% of clients showed improvement in KAPS by the end of the study. There was a statistically significant difference between age and change in KAP, χ2 = 35.846 (p= 0.000). There was a statistically significant difference between education level of caregivers and change in KAP, χ2 = 118.49 (p= 0.000). There was statistically significant difference between Health care worker teams (clinics) and change in KAP, Fishers statistic =23. 943 (p= 0.001). The Phi coefficient (φ) was 0.545. Clients expressed little ownership of the program. Health education performed poorly in improving KAPs. Based on difference in performance based on education level, age and particular HCW teams administering the program, there is potential for improvement. The study recommends nutrition refresher training to Health Care Workers. It also advises refocusing of the nutrition rehabilitation program to include community engagement from inception to the administration and evaluation of the program.
Key words: Malnutrition, Feeding Practices, Food Security and Knowledge, Attitudes & Practices, Botswana
Influence of Generation Y Characteristics on Job Satisfaction: The Case of Virtual City Limited
No full textThe research objective of this study was to examine how the characteristics of generation Y influences their job satisfaction. The study's focus was on Virtual City Limited. The study sought to: determine how being tech savvy influences job satisfaction, examine how job-hopping affects job satisfaction, and determine the relationship between being self-confident and job satisfaction. The research design employed for the study was survey research design. The target population for this study was all employees who worked at Virtual City Limited and were 73 in total. The sampling frame for this study was the official list of all employees at Virtual City Limited and was obtained from the organization's HR department. Stratified sampling was used to generate the sample size because it ensured that all employee categories (management and regular staff) were represented in the study. For this study, the researcher selected 70% of the population elements from each study strata to give the study a sample size of 51 employees. Primary data was collected by the use of a self-administered questionnaire. For easy analysis, the collected data was coded guided by the study variables to guarantee a minimum margin of error and ascertain that the data analysis was accurate. The collected data was analyzed using (SPSS) for calculation of the descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, and frequency distribution for analysis of the Likert questions. Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between being tech savvy, job-hopping, self-confidence and job satisfaction. Regression results showed that Being Tech Savvy (r=0.492, p=0.000), job-hopping (r=0.094, p=0.006), self-confidence (r=0.116 p=0.001) had a positive and significance effect on job satisfaction. The study has revealed that generation Y employees' use of technology in the organization has led to job autonomy, and they believe innovation is essential to business growth. Generation Y employees look for more flexibility in their workplace and they have been allowed to operate entrepreneurially within the organization, thus using social networks to bring innovative new ideas to the organization. Generation Y employees in the organization are self-centered and want instant respect for their tech savviness as well as respect for their ability to multi-task. These employees are concerned about the incompetence of their co-workers, and they are over-confident in their untested abilities.
Keywords: Generation Y, Being Tech Savvy, Job-Hopping, Self-Confident, Job Satisfaction and Virtual City Limited
Nehemiah: A Strategic Leader Worthy to be Rivalled by Organizational Leaders of the 21st Century
No full textThere are many examples of strategic leaders in the Bible that are motivational to the 21st century organizational leaders. Nehemiah is one of the prominent strategic leader in the Old Testament who accepted to be used of God in the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem that were in ruins after the Babylonian's attack. There are a many lessons to learn from his experience of strategic leadership especially in the 21st century where not many people in God and His power and enabling to achieve great things as a strategic leader. According to Ahiamadu (2011), Nehemiah's story and his work is one of the greatest in faith and perseverance. Amid great hardship and great opposition, Nehemiah strategically kept on working until he successfully completed the work. He also reinstated cultural reformation and moral life of the Jews. Chiegboka (2012) posit that Nehemiah reawakened the moral and cultural consciousness of the people through renewing the covenant they had with God and the restoration of the true worship of God which people had abandoned.
Keywords: Nehemiah, Strategic Leader & Organizational Leaders