Influence of strategy implementation drivers on project performance in non governmental organisations: a case of Riziki Kenya

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the influence of strategy execution drivers on project performance in non-governmental organizations in Kenya with a particular focus on Riziki Kenya situated in Kibra slums, Nairobi County. The objectives of the study were to investigate how leadership, communication, competency and organizational culture drivers influence project performance at Riziki Kenya. Descriptive research design was employed to undertake the study problem because it allows complete description of the situation hence minimizing chances of prejudice in the collection of data as variables cannot be manipulated. The population targeted by the study comprised of all the 8 employees of Riziki Kenya and 70 caregivers of the orphaned and vulnerable children enrolled in the Child Education Sponsorship Project. A census survey was used to obtain the subjects of the study for it allowed for an in-depth study of the problem under investigation and collection of data with a high degree of accuracy. Further, census survey was suitable since the target population was small such that data collection could be undertaken at a reasonable time, cost and energy. Triangulation was adopted in the study whereby questionnaires were administered on the caregivers and interviews conducted on the employees. Before the actual data collection was carried out piloting of questionnaires was done on 10% of the target population to enhance their reliability. The subjects involved in piloting were not included in the actual study. Data collected was both quantitative and qualitative and therefore it was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and content analysis respectively. Quantitive result findings were presented in tables whereas qualitative results findings were presented in prose form. The study findings indicated that leadership, communication, competency and organization culture drivers influenced performance of the Child Education Sponsorship Project significantly. Majority of the questionnaire respondents felt that the aforementioned drivers influenced performance of the CESP to either a high or very high extent ranged between 85% - 89%. Similar sentiments were expressed by all interview respondents. In conclusion, leadership style and support are pivotal in motivating the project team, mobilizing and allocating resources, creating conducive work environment for innovation which positively influence project performance; if communication is clear and consistent a common understanding is established among all stakeholders; selection of qualified staff, regularly building staff capacities and evaluating their performances has a bearing on project performance in a positive way; and a culture that fosters participation of all stakeholders and development of friendly and appropriate policies and rules is essential in project performance. The study recommends that leadership trainings should be regularly conducted on the leadership of organizations, communication should be clear and consistence and appropriate channels used, effective cultures that encourage participation of all stakeholders must developed and nurtured and Staff’s capacity should be constantly enhance through selection, training and performance evaluations.