The perceived quality of service in the mortgage sector:the case of housing finance
Abstract
The primary objectives of this study was to determine customers' expectations are
regarding the perceived quality of service in the mortgage sector and whether
customers' perceived quality of Housing Finance mortgage services coincides with
their expectations of this service.
The researcher was prompted to undertake this study as several researches have been
carried out on the issue of perceived service quality in the commercial banks in Kenya
but no research so far has addressed the perceived service quality in the mortgage
sector in Kenya. Housing Finance was therefore selected, as it is the market leader in
this sector.
To facilitate the study, 50 questionnaires were administered. In the end, the researcher
managed to get 30 respondents. The results of the research indicated that Housing
Finance and any other mortgage finance institution need to address the identified gaps
which includes; greeting customers, ensuring faster service especially at peak time,
and managing customer relationships to enhance satisfaction. Training of the main
service providers should focus on these aspects. Service at the Mortgage Reception
met the expectations fully in addressing customers by name (100%). There were
slight service gaps (5%) in failing to give service on first come basis, maintain eye
contact, smiling, appearing knowledgeable and availing stationery that is user
friendly.
There were a notable service gaps m several aspects including; service provider
failure to greet the customer (19%), service time being below expectation for 43% of
the customers with a negative perception index (-48) and 'top box' satisfaction
'totally satisfied' being at only 3% indicating a major satisfaction gap.
The customers welcomed the new look (logo) and corporate identity. It was the most
liked aspect about Housing Finance.
Citation
Masters of Business and Administration,university of nairobi,2003Publisher
University of Nairobi, Faculty of Commerce,