Relationship between competitive strategies and performance of Chartered private universities in Kenya
Abstract
Competitive strategies analyses the core competencies and Gapabilities 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. This study seeks to establish the perceived relationship between competitive strategies and performance of Chartered Private Universities in Kenya, Census survey data was collected from the top management of Chartered Private Universities in Kenya. This data was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis techniques for intecp,e1ation. It was ascertained that Private universities use more of focus strategies [eUowed by differentiation and cost leadership respectively.
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; however, the latter showed a negative correlation with performance. This confirmed porters (1980) stuck - in- the middle argument. The findings show that there is a relationship between competitive strategies and performance of Private Chartered Universities in Kenya Universities therefore need to adopt these strategies to remain more competitive in the market.
Publisher
University of Nairobi, Kenya