Competitive strategies and performance of private Secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya
Abstract
Competitive strategies analyses the core competencies and capabilities of a firm vis-a- vis
the competition and the customers' needs so as to select the position the firm will take in
order to survive and compete successfully. Today's dynamic markets and technologies
have called into question the sustainability of competitive advantage. Several competitive
typologies have been developed to explain how firms compete, however, Porter's generic
strategy types seem to integrate the central concepts of these typologies. These are; Cost
leadership, differentiation and focus strategies. Game theory as advocated by various
scholars came to the forefront as a strategic tool that offered perspectives on how players
might act under various circumstances as well as other kinds of valuable information for
making decisions. This study sought to establish the perceived relationship between
competitive strategies and performance of private secondary schools in Nairobi. The
objective of the study was to establish the competitive strategies adopted by private
secondary schools in Nairobi County and the link between competitive strategy and
performance. A cross sectional survey was conducted whereby a sample data was
collected from the top management and senior teachers of Private secondary schools in
Nairobi. Data collection was via a structured questionnaire. This data was analyzed using
the SPSS program .Descriptive statistics whereby tables, frequency distribution charts,
pie charts and percentages were used to present and interpret the data. It was ascertained
that Private secondary schools use more of differentiation strategies followed by cost
leadership strategies then focus competitive strategy which was not very popular
compared to the other two competitive strategies. The findings showed a general positive
relationship between competitive strategies and performance. The strength of the
relationship was positively strong on differentiation strategies than in focus strategies and
cost leadership strategies. The findings show that there is a relationship between
competitive strategies and performance of Private secondary schools in Nairobi County
because the strategies adopted by schools influence both academic and financial
performance. There is need therefore to adopt these strategies to remain more competitive
in the market. Firms can outperform rivals by pursuing various strategies. Each of these
strategies creates different needs, motivations, and opportunities for collaborative
activity. Based on the findings of the study, various conclusions, recommendations for
policy and practices as well as further studies have been made. Institutions need to
understand the industry in which they are operating in while formulating strategies.
Excellent recruitment, staff training and continuous motivation are key success factors in
ensuring successful strategy implementation.
Publisher
University of Nairobi