dc.description.abstract | Strategic response involves changes in the firm’s strategic behaviors to ensure success
in transforming future environment. Organizations exist as open systems and hence
they are in continuous interaction with the dynamic environment in which they
operate. The general business environment has become more volatile, unpredictable
and very competitive since the turn of the millennium. Coping with the increasingly
competitive environment has called on firms to rethink their marketing strategies. The
main objective of this study was to determine the factors influencing strategic
responses to external environment by deposit taking SACCOS in Nairobi County: a
study of Unaitas Sacco. The study was governed by two theories; resource based
theory and institutional theory. The research adopted case study research design. The
target population of the study was 11 directors and 600 employees of Unaitas Sacco.
The sample size consisted of 61 (10% of the target population) directors and
employees of Unaitas Sacco. Stratified random sampling was used in the study to
select the one director and the 60 employees of Unaitas Sacco. The study used
primary data. The data collection instruments that were used in this study were the
interview guide and questionnaire. The qualitative analysis was done using content
analysis. Quantitative data analysis employed descriptive statistics and factor analysis.
Descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, means and standard
deviation. Results were presented in form of tables and charts. Particular statistics in
factor analysis was scale plot and commonalities. Based on the findings the study
concluded that reference to past strategy organization external dependence,
consideration of level of risk and Organizational Culture greatly influences the choice
of strategic response. In addition managerial competence, organizational structure and
control processes, time available and availability of resources also greatly influence
the choice of strategic response. The study recommends that Unaitas to invest more in
the latest technology and start agency banking as a strategy of expanding its market
share and product differentiation. | en_US |