Influence of Knowledge Sharing Practices on Performance of Self-help Group Projects in Nyeri Central Subcounty, Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract

The importance of self-help group projects and the need for knowledge sharing practices towards their management is key. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of knowledge sharing practices on performance of self-help groups in Nyeri Central Sub County, Nyeri County, Kenya. The study was guided by the following specific objectives; to establish the influence of professional knowledge sharing practice on performance of self-help groups in Nyeri Central Sub County, to evaluate the influence of goal setting knowledge on performance of self-help groups in Nyeri Central Sub County, to determine the influence of technology Knowledge on performance of self-help groups in Nyeri Central Sub County, to determine the influence of capacity building techniques on performance of self-help groups in Nyeri Central Sub County, and; to evaluate the influence of management skills on performance of self-help groups in Nyeri Central Sub County. The scope of this study was all the registered self-help groups in Nyeri Central Sub County, Nyeri County, Kenya. The target population of the study was 3 members who are also leaders in their SHGs comprising of the chairperson, secretary and the treasurer. The study considered a sample of 50% (136) of the groups through simple random sampling technique. The study used stratified random sampling technique to select 30% of the target population arriving at a sample size of 108 possible respondents. A questionnaire was used as the main tool for gathering data in this study. The SPSS program Version 22.0 was used as the only statistical tool of computation. Descriptive statistics such as measures of central tendency (mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages) was used to present the findings. Qualitative raw data was analyzed by use of content analysis whereby the researcher considered only the themes answering the research questions. The study concludes that majority of the respondents were in agreement that; they were happy that the professional knowledge sharing has been a critical component in their projects’ successes, they already understand the value of professional knowledge sharing to their SHG projects’, group leaders and members can now utilize professional knowledge passed on to them to enhance projects performance. The study concludes that most members in the SHGs have adequate knowledge on setting goals in their SHG and this has been important as a means in which people become accountable for themselves enhancing projects’ performance, through goal setting practice group members have the options and preferences to choose their goals and actions based on either habit, planning, or both towards their set projects’, goal setting is usually well-organized and eases decision making. The study concluded that most of the SHGs members are very happy that their SHG often acquires considerable technological support and technology knowhow and they can function effectively and independently, sometimes their self-help groups benefit from the development of special technological skills towards enhancing their projects’ performance. The study concluded that majority of the respondents were in agreement that; they receive adequate training and education that assist their self-managed group projects’ through building positive feelings towards their existence, they are happy that end user training is essential for a robust understanding of how the system works and how to use it, there has been capacity building among members that enhances the users’ level of knowledge and proficiency towards projects’ performance. Finally, the study concluded that most SHGs members feel motivated about the managerial skills shared among members of their group for they enhance project success, they believe they had visionary leadership as a result of good management leading to high levels of cohesion and commitment