Growth Strategies Adopted by North Kinangop Catholic Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Growth is necessary for organizations to survive and achieve their goals and objectives. However, in order for the growth to be realized, appropriate strategies are supposed to be crafted by the top management of the organization and strictly implemented. Ansoff’s growth matrix and the resource based theory formed the foundation of this study. North Kinangop Catholic hospital has experienced tremendous growth in the recent past with increased patient numbers, expanded physical infrastructure and introduction of a new range of patient care activities. This formed the basis of this study which sought to establish the growth strategies adopted by NKCH and the challenges faced in the implementation of the strategies. To achieve the above objectives, a case study method was adopted as the research design. Primary data was collected from the top level managers of the hospital who are the hospital administrator, the personnel officer and head of nursing services using an interview guide. The interview guide was administered face to face. The data being qualitative in nature was analyzed by content analysis. The findings of the study established that North Kinangop Catholic hospital has adopted a variety of growth strategies. These include market penetration, product development, diversification in the form of both vertical and horizontal integration and strategic alliances and partnerships. It was also established that in the course of strategy implementation, the hospital had encountered a number of challenges. The challenges were of financial, regulatory and human resource. Other challenges included insufficient staff houses, difficulties in coordination of activities as a result of increased staff numbers and political challenge. The hospital had some solutions to some of the challenges such as staff involvement and participation in the change processes in the hospital to reduce resistance and the establishment of WHO standards on patient safety. The study recommended more thorough induction and orientation of new staff for better familiarization with working environment. The study further recommended extension of information technology to the wards to increase efficiency and enhance interdepartmental coordination