Quality Management Practices and Firm Performance of Oil Marketing Companies in Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to establish the effect of quality management practices on performance of oil marketing companies in Kenya. This study adopted a census survey research design. The population of the study was the oil marketing companies in Kenya. The study made use of both primary data; which was collected using a designed questionnaire. The study data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Multiple linear regression analysis method was used to analyze the relationship between the study variables. The study results showed that the respondents did agree that quality management focused on satisfying customer requirements; the workers felt fully responsible for the work they did and believed that their work was important to the success of the company. The results also showed that quality formed part of the company’s improvement culture; management recognized employees’ efforts and the identification and selection of key suppliers were based on value addition and their approach to the supply chain. The study found that there was a significant positive relationship between customer focus, leadership, continuous improvement, engagement, mutual beneficial supplier relationships as quality management practices and firm performance of OMCs in Kenya. The study concluded that customer focus, leadership, continuous improvement, employee involvement and mutual beneficial supplier relationships were critical quality management practices that influenced firm performance of OMCs in Kenya. The study recommends that to enhance the quality of its products and services, the organization should ensure that it strikes a balance between formulating goals that favor the employees, the firm and the customers as these will enhance performance and productivity in the company.