Supply Chain Relationships in Kenyan Banks: a Case Study of Barclays Bank of Kenya

Abstract

This research work sought to explore the relationships employed within the supply chain by Kenyan Banks. The key objectives were to, establish factors that influenced Barclays Bank to shift from an arm’s length relationship to promoting a collaborative relationship, determine whether the rapid growth of earning assets by Barclays is as a result of improved relations and to establish whether strategy formulated by management act as bridges or barriers to effective supply chain management within financial institutions. The study was conducted at Barclays Bank Kenya Limited. Primary data was collected through the use of structured and semi structured questionnaire and subsequently analysed using descriptive framework, while the open ended questions were analyzed using content analysis to establish the fundamental or latent commonality among the set of observed variables. The research findings indicate that cost reduction and Customer satisfaction and service is perceived as more enduring. All supply chain staff recognize technology, information, and measurement systems as major barriers to successful supply chain collaboration. However, the people issues – such as culture, trust, aversion to change, and willingness to collaborate – are more intractable. People are the key bridge to successful collaborative innovation and should therefore not be overlooked as companies invest in supply chain enablers such as technology, information, and measurement systems. The research findings indicate a growing desire and need to move towards a more collaborative relationship within its immediate supply chain network.