The influence of innovation and technology strategy and competitive advantage of Construction Companies in Kenya

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine how innovation and technology as a strategy influence competitive advantage in the Construction companies in Kenya. The study evaluated how innovation and technology influence competitive advantage of construction companies in Kenya. Cross sectional survey design was used in the study. The study was carried out from 40 selected construction companies in Kenya. Questionnaires were the main data collection tool used. The data collected was analysed through the use of regression analysis. The findings of the study indicated that use of Innovation and technology in the construction companies affects the competitive advantage of a company. The study recommended that all the employees of the construction companies should be involved in the entire process so that the firm can tap all the ideas from every employee in the company. By practising this, the company shall be at a higher level of achieving it competitive advantage. The study revealed that construction companies should use a top down approach when introducing and implementing innovation and technology strategies. Failing to do so, shall demoralise other employees of the company, as they will feel left out and not part of idea implementation. It is also necessary for innovative employees to be given some incentives to motivate them to be more innovative hence encouraging others to follow suit. Construction companies should partner with the construction companies and assist them in carrying out research on finding the best building technologies both locally and globally, which may help the government in decreasing the housing problem in Kenya. Construction companies should also engage non-governmental organizations like Shelter Afrique, UN Habitat among others on how to improve their products and services. To create more awareness, the research recommended that construction companies should partner with media houses and advertise their services and products. County government should also put all construction companies under their jurisdiction on notice to control them from building sub-standard buildings, roads, bridges among others. The study results offer valuable contributions to government, policy makers, the government and other construction companies. The study indicated that there is a strong relationship between innovation and technology as a strategy, and competitive advantage.