Response of the government of Kenya Printing Press to changes in the external operating environment
Abstract
The objective of this study was to establish the response of the Kenya Government Printing Press to changes in the external environment. The unique operations of the organization amid a security environment while confronting dynamic unpredictable change prompted the researcher to study how it responds to its operating settings. The research was done using case study design. No sampling was done since the Kenya Government Printing Press was the unit of study. Primary data was collected using an interview guide which was administered by the researcher on informants at the level of Departmental Heads and their Deputies. A total of 18 out of 20 targeted focus groups were met which forms 90% response rate.
The data was analyzed and presented qualitatively using content analysis, measures of central tendency, and results presented in tables and conclusions drawn by inference. The Government of Kenya Printing Press is a department under the Office of the President and is purposely set up to offer printing and advisory service to the government. It has a wide variety of products which touch on day to day operations of the public, private and individual institutions. From the study findings it was established that it is greatly affected by political influence followed by rapid technological change.
To a great extent also suppliers, customers, economic factors and human resource factors affect the organization. Its monopolistic position is gradually losing ground as there is room to grant authority to clients to source the service from alternative printers. It has responded adequately to changes in technology by purchasing the latest state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, training its staff on IT and the use of e-commerce to a moderate degree. Other strategies that have been utilized include operational responses such as strategic planning to a smaller extent, performance contracting, as per government policy and machine rehabilitation. Staff reorganization has occasionally been carried to orient them with new production processes.
The organization is pursuing ISO certification for various standards. It is evident that the leadership has the zeal to push on and cope with change while embracing reforms and acquisition of best strategic management practices. If GP exploits her full potential, she is poised to be the best printing and paper conversion organization within the African trading bloc while benchmarking with the developed world since skills in this profession are acquired at a global competitive level. It is recommended that further research be undertaken on the nature of competition posed by the top media houses in Kenya, the influence of reT on GP's service and product delivery and the influence of politics on GP's performance.
Publisher
University of Nairobi, Kenya