Influence of Strategic Management Practices on the Performance of Private Universities in Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to examine the influence of strategic management practices on the performance of private universities in Kenya. The study targeted 30 private universities in Kenya both chartered and those with the letter of interim authority. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the relationship between customer processes and organisational performance; to determine the relationship between internal business process and organisational performance and to establish the relationship between employee growth and organisational performance. The study applied correlational research design. The author used judgmental procedure to select 120 representatives from the following categories of individuals in the private universities; vice chancellors, deputy vice chancellors, deans of schools and heads of sections. Applying multiple regression model and content analysis tools the study analysed quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Results showed that service culture, service quality, customer experience and feedback are key determinants of performance in the sampled private universities in Kenya. It was also established that organisation structure of many private universities does not match the internal business processes. Further findings indicated that employee growth was a key factor affecting performance of private universities in Kenya.

Influence of Strategy Implementation on the Performance of Private Universities in Kenya. A Survey of Universities in Nairobi County, Kenya

“…This is because no matter how good the strategies are, without the necessary resources to enable the implementation, they remain in the planning phase. The resourcebased approach will see the universities with superior systems and structures being profitable not because they engage in strategic investments that may deter entry and raise prices above long run costs, but because they have markedly lower costs, or offer markedly higher quality or product performance (Kuria, 2017). Therefore, this theory was found relevant to this study.…”

“…To adapt to the great competition from all over the world, there is an important and immediate required improvement to the quality of higher education to meet international academic trend and raise overall academic standards and education quality (Ahmed et al, 2018). Similarly, the 21 st century has brought challenges and opportunities for higher education in Kenya (Kuria, 2017). In this dynamic and competitive environment, the biggest challenges of private universities are how to increase the student's population, remain financially viable, create sustainable revenue streams, staff retention, and to provide quality service which includes the development of relevant programs, teaching, and efficiency in service delivery (Nderitu et al, 2018).…”

“…Further, among other factors performance may be indicated by financial sustainability, Number of studentsundergraduates, Masters and PHD. Quality of Learning, Achievement of goals and staff satisfaction (Ahmed et al, 2018;Kuria, 2017;Missouri, 2020) Kenya has the fastest-growing universities in East-Africa. Private universities have increased remarkably over the years (Kinyanjui & Juma, 2014).…”