Influence of Organization Context on Information Technology Integration in Non-governmental Organizations: Case of Food for the Hungry Kenya

Abstract

Information systems integration brings about many important benefits in any organization and more specifically for non-governmental organizations. The need for IT systems integration has resulted from the need to make organizations more responsive to reduced operational costs, timely implementation of projects and more focus on beneficiaries. Successful implementation of IT systems is dependent on ability of the system to cope with the overall system architecture, their interface with humans and organizations and their relationship with external environment. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of organizational context on information technology integration in non-governmental organizations; a case of Food for the Hungry Kenya. This study adopted a case study which involves detailed research of a specific organization. The study focused on the regional office in Nairobi and field offices in Marsabit County. The study respondents were employees in Food for the Hungry Kenya offices in Nairobi and Marsabit. Data collection was carried out using a semi structured questionnaire and interview guides. The questionnaires gathered data from the subordinate staff while interview guides were applied for managers of the organization. The questionnaires were distributed to the managers and subordinate staff of FHK through drop and pick method while interviews with FHK official were conducted in the respective FHK office. Data analysis involved the use of qualitative methods. The study found that organizational culture, organizational goals, organizational composition, and organizational structure positively influence information technology integration in non-governmental organizations. The study recommended that the management of non-governmental organizations are encouraged to ensure that they adopt organizational cultures that encourage risk taking and innovation as this will be an important ingredient when it comes to adoption of changes such as information technology integration. The study recommends the adoption of goals that are specific measurable attainable realistic, and time bound. Further the study recommends the adoption of policies that will encourage adversity in the workforce and finally to ensure that the structures they put in place encourage communication from the junior employees to the seniors for proper technology integration.