Leadership Strategies and Performance of Insurance Companies in Kenya

Abstract

Leadership remains a fundamental aspect to the success and performance of companies. Good strategies of leadership are considered an essential element for successful operation of any company operating in any complex and dynamic business environment. Poor leadership strategies lead to poorly motivated and incompetent staff, poor performance and weak institutional growth. This study thus sought to determine the effect of leadership strategies on performance of insurance companies in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey and the study’s population comprised the 56 insurance companies registered and regulated by Insurance Regulatory Authority as at 31st December, 2022. This research used primary data which was gathered from the managing directors, through a questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the collected data. The mean, frequencies and standard deviation were the key descriptive statistical tools; while regression analysis was employed to determine the variables interrelationship. The study results revealed that shared vision, innovation, organizational structure, technological structure and organizational culture as strategies of leadership largely impacted Kenyan insurance companies' performance. The regression analysis revealed significant and positive relationships between performance and certain leadership strategies in the insurance sector. Specifically, shared vision and organizational structure were found to have positive and significant effects on performance. Notably, organizational culture established a significant and positive impact on the performance of insurance companies in Kenya. Conversely, innovation displayed a positive yet insignificant impact on performance, suggesting the need for further investigation into its potential effects. Technological structure, on the other hand, exhibited a negative and insignificant relationship with performance. The study concludes that shared vision, organizational structure, organizational culture, and performance significantly impact the performance of the Kenyan insurance sector. In order to promote unity of direction, it is suggested that management of Kenyan insurance companies focus and continuously improve their shared vision. Additionally, they should optimize their organizational structure to adapt to environmental changes, improve information sharing, and cultivate a culture aligned with performance, customer focus, teamwork, and integrity. For the insignificant predictors, it is advisable for insurance firms to stimulate innovation initiatives and embrace technological advancements, although these may have limited direct impacts on performance.