Strategic responses by NGOs in the health sector in Nairobi to challenges in the external environment
Abstract
The objective of the study was determine the environmental challenges facing health
sector NGOs in Kenya and the strategic responses that health sector NGOs adopt to come
with challenges posed by the external environment. The research design was descriptive
survey study in nature since it focused on all NGOs working in health sector in Nairobi.
The target population was 1065 NGOs. A sample of 41 NGOs was selected using the
recommended formula for calculating sample size given proportions as recommended by
Israel. The respondents were the managing directors of the NGOs. Both qualitative and
quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire that consisted of both open ended
and close ended questions. The data was analyzed in terms of descriptive statistics like
frequencies, means and percentages. The findings were presented in form of tables. Data
obtained from open-ended questions was analyzed through content analysis. The study
found that competitive rivarly, threats of new entrants , bargaining power of suppliers,
bargaining power of clients, threat of substitutes, changes in law and advancement in
information technology contribute to environmental challenges of the organization.
Further, it was found that several strategic responses were adopted by NGOs in the health
sector in Nairobi. These responses include acquiescence, compromise, avoidance,
defiance and manipulation. Younger NGOs were more inclined to using acquiescence
strategy, compromise strategy, avoidance strategy, while older NGOS preferred to use the
defiance and manipulation strategy. Community based NGOs were more inclined to
using acquiescence strategy, compromise strategy, avoidance strategy while International
NGOs were more likely to use defiance and manipulative strategies. It is recommended
that the NGOs train their employees on strategic management and the identification of
the environmental factors that challenge NGOs. Specifically, the management of NGOs
should be trained on various tools of analysis to facilitate proper environmental scanning.
This is because proper environmental scanning is crucial for the crafting of sustainable
strategic plans.
Citation
Masters in Business AdministrationSponsorhip
The University of NairobiPublisher
The University of Nairobi School of Business