ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT INTERVENTIONS ON THE GENERAL MANAGERIAL SKILLS OF COMMERCIAL BANK EXECUTIVES: A CASE OF KENYA COMMERCIAL BANK LIMITED IN KENYA, EAST AFRICA

This study aimed to determine the effect of organization development Interventions (ODI) on the general managerial skills of the Bank Executives at Kenya Commercial Bank Limited (KCB) in Kenya, East Africa. It utilized an analytical descriptive action type research. Ninety eight (98) executives of the bank were the research subjects who comprised senior managers from head office, branch managers, section heads and supervisors of the bank. Universal sampling was done in identifying research subjects. The study was based on the theory advanced by Kraut et al (1989) who theorized that managers to be effective, they must have a clear understanding of different skills that are important in managerial role. These skills enabled managers to effectively coordinate work, communicate expectations, delivery of feedback, job transitions, training and career development activities. Preassessment was conducted to assess the general managerial skills of the bank executives and diagnose problem. The instrument was administered to the ninety eight (98) subjects who are presently employed in KCB Nairobi Branches. The results of pre-assessments on general managerial skills were good as indicated by the factor average rating of (μ 2.816) but could be improved. Implementation of the planned interventions was guided by the schedule of activities. Seventy seven executives of KCB participated to improve performance. Understanding change through other people's eyes by Vicki Schneider was conducted to provide insight on what is the importance of change. After the implementation of organization interventions, observation over a period of six months was done. Post assessment evaluation on the general managerial skills was done in January and February 2010. The result of the study revealed that there was a significant increase of the mean score in the post assessment in all the eight factors of the general managerial skills. There was improvement after the intervention in the general managerial skills as indicated by the increased mean from (μ 2.816) to (μ3.959). The organization development interventions implemented were successful in improving the managerial skills in KCB as reflected in the increase of the mean ratings after intervention. The obtained t-value in general managerial skills was 5.149, which was greater than the critical value of 1.960. This meant that the null hypothesis was rejected. The organization development interventions implemented were successful in improving the general managerial skills of bank executives. The Organization Development Interventions yields a significant positive change in all the general managerial skills of the Bank Executives

THE EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING ON DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZE ENTERPRISES IN GITHUNGURI DISTRICT-KENYA

ABSTRACT Entrepreneurship Education and Training has been found to be a major determinant in the growth and survival of enterprises. According to the human capital theory, investment in knowledge, skills and the abilit ies enhance the productive capacity of the individual. While the studies have shown mixed relationship between entrepreneurship training and entrepreneurial development, they have not highlighted the effect of entrepreneurship training on the growth of enterprises. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of entrepreneurship training on the entrepreneurial development in Kenya. This was an exploratory research design. The target population was all the 1670 legally registered SMEs in Githunguri district. The study used simple random sampling in which 167 SMEs were sampled. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. The study established that the entrepreneurs were able to market their products within the district but not around the country. The results of the study revealed that the entrepreneurs were able to do simple daily book keeping of business transactions but were not able to do complex financial statements. This leads to the conclusion that even though the entrepreneur may be reporting an increase in sales and profits, and may seem to be registering growth, lack of training on financial, strategic management and marketing will mean that the SME will not grow beyond the first stage of enterprise development to other stages and will hence eventually fail within its first five years of existence. The study recommended that the government through the Ministry of Trade should formulate and implement training programs aimed at equipping SME owners with entrepreneurial skills

Interventions, Entrepreneurial Orientation and Macro Environment: Effect on Beneficiary Poverty Reduction by Faith Based Enterprises

This study focuses on joint effect of interventions, entrepreneurial orientation and macro environment on beneficiary poverty reduction (BPR) by Faith based enterprises (FBEs) within the slums of Nairobi, Kenya. In Nairobi, about 60-70% of the people live in slums and conditions are deplorable. Hence, FBEs assist meet the social welfare voids like shelter, water, health services, education and employment. However, there is distorted and incomplete information with divergent views to explain success or failure of joint effects in BPR. Hinged on these gaps, the study objective of joint effect of the variables on BPR is assessed and its hypothesis is tested. The study uses a census approach and data was collected from 72 FBEs using a structured questionnaire. The study uses the descriptive cross-sectional research design and data is analysed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Study found that joint effect of the variables has a greater effect on BPR than the singular effect of each variable; most people in Nairobi slums live below World Bank poverty threshold of $1.90 per day and FBEs bring disruptions that create wealth enabling people take charge of their own destinies as they escape from poverty. Key hindrances to BPR in the slums of Nairobi include lack of markets, reduced donor funding, basic needs such as food, water, shelter, health services, public schools, latrines for safe hygiene and unemployment. Study adds value to theory as findings show net works trigger the mobilization of resources which explains robust joint effects in BPR. Adds value to human capital theory as findings reveal enterprises can deliver in social value based on relationships and doing things differently by those involved despite their illiteracy and inexperience. The paper concludes findings inform new thinking that authorities and development partners may emulate in building new funding outfits for poverty reduction such as collaborations to mobilize resources, enterprise culture for business approaches, technology for markets, quality products, politics for laws and support. Pentecostalism and Catholicism are the most prevalent in BPR within slums of Nairobi. Future research could use grounded theory approach for more in-depth investigation

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERVENTIONS AND BENEFICIARY POVERTY REDUCTION BY FAITH BASED ENTERPRISES: DOES MACRO ENVIRONMENT MODERATE?

This paper focuses on the moderating role of macro environment on therelationship between interventions and beneficiary poverty reduction (BPR) byFaith based enterprises (FBEs) within the slums of Nairobi. The slums poor live indeplorable conditions with social welfare deprivations. This explains the comingin of FBEs to assist in various aspects of BPR such as education, health, shelter,water, food and employment. There is incomplete information that cannot explainsuccess or failure of moderation by macro environment. Based on these gaps, thepaper sought to determine the moderating effect of Macro environment on therelationship between interventions and beneficiary poverty reduction by FBEs. Toattain this, hypothesis from the study objective was tested. This paper appliedtriangulation data collection from 72 FBEs. The study uses the descriptive crosssectionalresearch design. Data is analysed using descriptive, inferential statisticsand qualitatively. The study results provide evidence FBEs instill disruptions indevelopment that impact positively on people livelihoods. Regression results foundmoderation effect of Macro environment not statistically significant on therelationship between Interventions and BPR. Correlation coefficient was .729indicating a strong correlation between interventions of macro environment alonewith BPR. Descriptive show Macro environment factors contribute positively toBPR. The lack of significant moderation effect by Macro environment is newinformation to theory as it explains scanning of environment information forresources to achieve best management practice. Pentecostalism and Catholicismare the most prevalent in BPR within slums of Nairobi. Future research couldadopt the grounded theory approach for possible in-depth diverse set of conceptsand theories to explain moderating effect of Macro environment on therelationship between interventions and beneficiary p