Strategies Adopted by the Postal Corporation of Kenya to Achieve Competitive Advantage.
Abstract
PCK needs strategies in order to ensure that resources are allocated in the most effective
way. The firm is operating in a highly turbulent and competitive business environment
and achieving superior performance relative to rivals is its ultimate challenge. This has
necessitated it to formulate and adopt strategies that should result in superior performance
for the firm and ensure survival in an environment that is constantly changing due to
different competitive factors. The liberalization of the Postal market has introduced new
competition in the postal business that goes beyond the Kenyan boundaries and the days
when PCK could simply wait for clients to find their way to its outlets are long gone.
PCK should realise that its products no matter how good they are, simply do not sell
themselves Kotler (2000). Therefore, PCK has had to focus on its capabilities and core
competencies in order to achieve competitive advantage. Various strategies have been
adopted by PCK for survival and growth. The objectives of the study were to establish
I
the strategies adopted by the Postal Corporation of Kenya and whether those strategies
have enabled the organization to achieve competitive advantage. In addition, the research
was to look at the challenges faced by the organization and the opportunities that it can
exploit. The research was a case study. The research was conducted at PCK headquarters
and targeted 15 respondents who are on managerial level. Data was collected using an
interview guide and was analysed using content analysis. The study found that PCK has
adopted strategies such as diversification, automation, formation of strategic alliances,
innovation, human resources capacity development, use of PCK outlets to provide
logistical solutions and marketing for survival and growth although it still faces
challenges in the implementation of those strategies. The limitations of the study were
found to be unwillingness by the respondents to disclose the strategies adopted by PCK
and time constraints. The ,study therefore recommends further research on the strategies
adopted by private operators in the postal sector.
Citation
Kambara,Bilia L.,November,2013.Strategies Adopted By The Postal Corporation Of Kenya To Achieve Competitive Advantage.Publisher
University of Nairobi