Institutional dynamics in the emergence of hybrid organisational fields in the Global South — Multi-scalar perspective in the evolution of social enterprises in Kenya

Most countries in the Global South are characterised by persistent sustainable development challenges related to resource scarcity, persistent poverty and ever-increasing social inequality. Neither governments nor markets, in this region, have been able to create sufficient socio-economic opportunities for the rapidly growing populations. In response, alternative economic forms, such as hybrid organisations, aimed at addressing unmet socio-economic and ecological needs in an inclusive manner are gaining much attention. Until now, there are limited insights into the emergence of hybrid organisations in different forms in many territorial contexts. Especially, it is not entirely clear how institutional dynamics spatially shape the emergence and unfolding of hybrid organisations, particularly in different contexts of the Global South. Drawing on conceptual and theoretical insights from social innovation, economic geography, and neo-institutional organisation theory, the dissertation investigates as a general research question the field configuring processes of hybrid organisations in the Global South using Kenya as a case study. In particular, the research aims: 1) To investigate the processes encouraging hybrid organisational field formation and collective agency, 2) To gain empirical insights into the strategies that hybrid organisations operating, within resource-constrained contexts of the Global South, use to address hybridity as well as place-based challenges and 3) To explore how hybrid organisations, contribute to developing capabilities of their beneficiaries. To capture the institutional dynamics in the emergence of hybrid organisational fields, as envisioned by the general research question, the concept of institutional work was key (Lawrence + Suddaby, 2006; Lawrence et al., 2011, p.52). Specifically, the concept is credited with considerable potential to explain institutional change through its focus on the connection between agency and institutions. In this study, the concept was used to explain institutional change processes and the role of the involved actors. Concurrently, the theoretical concepts of organisational capabilities and individual capabilities were adopted to understand strategies for coping with hybridity tensions as well as the social impacts of hybrid organisations, as per the specific research questions. The study explores the organisational field of impact sourcing service providers (ISSPs) in Kenya. ISSPs are hybrid organisations in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. Their social mission is to employ disadvantaged youth and develop their skills to enable them to enter the formal labour market. An empirically grounded model explaining institution building and its drivers was developed. The model helps visualise the multi-scalar processes involved in the evolution of the hybrid organisational field in Kenya. Markedly, the model reconstructs the interaction between macro- and micro-level processes, institutional work and the resulting institutional change in a temporal-spatial setting. This was instrumental in revealing the dynamics, policies, and interventions of actors behind the pathway of institutional change that ISSPs took from pre- to semi-institutionalisation. In addition, the study sheds light on an empirically developed typology of - “standardised” and “individualised”- skills development, showing how hybrid organisations strive to develop the capabilities of their beneficiaries as well as maintain financial sustainability. Simultaneously, it underscores the essential role of learning, resilience, and constant experimentation for hybrid organisations facing place-specific challenges associated with operating in resource- scarce contexts of the Global South. So far, the thesis makes an empirical and conceptual contribution to the neo-institutional organisation theory and hybrid organisational field specifically. It helps gain detailed insights into the micro-dynamics underlying institutional change in the early processes of institutionalisation of emerging hybrid organisational fields. Practically, the study underlines the basis for fostering such processes

Mission to people of other faiths in the Old Testament and Eldoret, Kenya: Some reflections for engaging Muslims within their context

The election of biblical Israel in the Old Testament through Abraham and the mandate to represent God to other nations compare to Kenyan contexts of mission to people of other faiths by virtue of strengths and weaknesses. With an aim of providing reflections for contemporary practice, this article goes beyond these strengths and weaknesses by providing suggestions for how mission can be effectively undertaken in Eldoret, Kenya. As a context where mission begins, the Old Testament’s experience of engagements to other nations compare closely to the Kenyan experience, yet both lack perfect examples. Idolatry, unbelief and unfaithfulness to God’s commandments are some of the factors leading to Israel’s and Eldoret’s failure to faithfully represent God. This article highlights and discusses these and proposes recommendations for a better paradigm applicable to any Christian church functioning in an Islamic context

Financing services in Kenya small towns

Financing services in Kenya small town

Influence of Funding from National Government on Performance of County Governments in Kenya

Fiscal decentralization encompasses all that appertains to how the National Government and county governments relate to each other when it comes to Money. This includes the kind of revenue allocated by the Central Government to County Governments. This study assesses whether funding from National Governments influence the performance in County Governments in Kenya. The current study took a descriptive design, which involved assessing whether funding from National Governments influence the performance in County Governments in Kenya. For the purpose of this study the target population comprised of all 47 County Governments in Kenya. Sampling frames was done for 5 County Governments as per the Kenya 2010 Constitution. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables These statistics includes mean, median, mode, skewedness, range, standard deviation, kurtosis and percentages. The data was presented in form of tables, pie charts, column and bar graphs. The found that that there is a positive and significant relationship between Revenues Received from National Government and Performance because it had a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.734 and a p- value of 0.000. The study found that the County Government receives funding from National Government. Majority of respondents were aware that there was amount of funds received by the County Government. Keywords: Devolution, Revenue, Decentralization, administrative, fiscal and political

Influence of Locally Generated Revenue on Performance of County Governments in Kenya

Revenue collected from sources such as trading licenses, market dues, fines, and fees was also declining tremendously to be effectively utilized to provide the required services to the public. This study seeks to establish locally generated revenue has an influence on performance in County Governments in Kenya. The current study took a descriptive design, which involved assessing whether funding from National Governments influence the performance in County Governments in Kenya. For the purpose of this study the target population comprised of all 47 County Governments in Kenya. Sampling frames was done for 5 County Governments as per the Kenya 2010 Constitution. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the relationship between the dependent and the independent variables These statistics includes mean, median, mode, skewedness, range, standard deviation, kurtosis and percentages. The data was presented in form of tables, pie charts, column and bar graphs. The study found that that there is a positive and significant relationship between Revenue Generated by County Governments and Performance because it had a Pearson correlation coefficient (r) of 0.688 and a p- value of 0.000. This means that as Revenue Generated by County Governments increases there is an increase in Performance of counties. Keywords: Revenue, cost, devolution and county Government

Influence of Selected Work Related Variables on Occupational Stress Among Teachers in Kenya

Occupational stress is a universal phenomenon that manifests itself among workers as a result of pressures originating from within or outside the work place. Work stress has had negative effects on performance and service delivery among workers and can therefore be expensive for organizations as it adversely affects organizational performance and productivity. Globally, teaching has been ranked the second most stressful job after ambulance driving and incidences of teachers experiencing occupational stress have been reported in Borabu Sub County. Given the important role education plays in shaping society, the pivotal roles played by teachers globally and in Borabu SubCounty cannot be over stated. Majority of teachers confess that they would opt for an alternative profession given an opportunity, a situation witnessed by a substantive number of teachers who get newly employed or are always ready to transfer to other professions. Some studies on teachers’ occupational stress have concentrated on factors causing or contributing to stress or effects of occupational stress on performance among teachers but have not investigated the influence of selected work related variables on occupational stress among secondary school teachers. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the Influence of Selected Work RelatedVariables on Occupational Stress among Teachers in Public Secondary Schools in Borabu-Sub County of Nyamira County. The main objective of the study was to determine the influence of role overload on occupational stress among public secondary school teachers. The study was anchored on Person Environment Fit Theory of Caplan. The study employed convergent parallel research design within mixed method approach. The population of the study comprised 212 public high school teachers, 21 Principals, and 3 Education Officers. Saturated sampling was used to obtain a sample size of 212 teachers, 21 Principals and 3 Education Officers of Borabu Sub County, Nyamira County, Kenya. Occupational stress questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from teachers while qualitative data was collected using interviews to Principals and Education Officers. Descriptive statistics and correlational analysis were used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data was analyzed using thematic framework. Validity of the instruments was ensured by seeking expert judgement from university psychology lecturers. Reliability of the instruments was determined using internal consistency with an index of 0.70 reported. The study results revealed that high school teachers of Borabu Sub County have a significant amount of role overload at r=0.647. The study established that co and extracurricular activities plummeted the teachers work. The study recommended that teachers, school Principals, Teacher Counselors, other Education stake holders and policy makers need to apply adjustment interventions for occupational stress reduction among educators. Keywords: Influence, Occupational, Stress,  work DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-30-07 Publication date:October 31st 202

Factors Contributing to Dismal Performance in Mathematics among Secondary School Girls in Nyamira County, Kenya

A good mathematics education is salient to scientific and technological development. The Kenya National Examinations Council evaluates the performance of students through the examinations it offers. Evaluation of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations has revealed that girls do not perform well in mathematics. Girl child education world-wide provides benefits to the family and the society at large. Thus dismal performance in mathematics by the girl child should be addressed for the sake of scientific and technological development of any country and Kenya in particular. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors contributing to dismal performance in mathematics among secondary school girls in Borabu Division, Nyamira District. The investigation employed Ex-post facto research design. The population was 714 (700 girls, 7 teachers and 7 head teachers).Out of this population, a sample of 154 respondents were selected which included 140 girls, 7 mathematics teachers and 7 head teachers. The samples were done purposively which included 1 mathematics teacher from each sampled school. The head teachers of the 7 sampled schools were involved in the study purposively. 5 girls were randomly selected from each form from forms 1-4. Data was collected from the head teachers, mathematics teachers and the secondary school girls by use of questionnaires and interview schedules. The researcher used statistical package for social sciences (S.P.S.S 11.5) in data analysis. Descriptive statistics involving frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study indicate that inadequacy of mathematics teachers, societal gender stereotypes, influence from peers, attitudes of girls towards mathematics, girl’s low levels of aspiration and inadequate resources for teaching contributed to the dismal performance in mathematics by secondary school girls in Borabu division. Many respondents recommended that the attitudes held by majority of the girls in secondary schools about mathematics needs to be changed. The same study be carried out in the same area or a similar region for the findings are of great significance to the girl child, human development and the nations’ scientific and technological development. Keywords: Dismal, Performance, Aspiration, Attitudes, Facilities, Gender, Stereotype

Social demographic factors affecting utilization of female condom among youths in selected tertiary training institutions in Migori County, Kenya

Background: The female condom is a dual protection tool for both prevention of HIV/ Aids transmission and conception of unwanted pregnancies. In Migori, HIV prevalence is 16% among the youths with the female youth having a higher prevalence than male counterpart at 7.6% and 5.6% respectively. Female condom use is low at 0.3% with an early sexual debut among the youths before 15 years of age.Objective: To determine social demographic factors affecting utilization of female condom among the youths in Migori County, Kenya.Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 380 youths in selected tertiary institutions in Migori County, systematic random sampling was employed to sample youths from each institution. Questionnaires were used to collect data, nurses in each institution’s clinic provided more information as key informants.Results: A total of 380 female youths participated in the study, 86.6% were aged between 18-25 years with 83.9% being single, 95.3% were Christians and 4.7% Muslim. There was a significant association between marital status and utilization of the female condom (p≤0.000, x2 = 66.969, OR= 43.919), increase in age was significantly associated with awareness of female condom use among youth (x2=4.210, OR=0.86, p=0.040), majority of the youths fear getting pregnant than contracting HIV at significance level of p=0.016. Men’s say in negotiation on female condom use was also significant at p=0.042, majority of the youth were incompetent in female condom insertion process at p=0.020.Conclusion: Low levels of self-efficacy on female condom use, lack of negotiation skills for safe sex among partners, and age of the youth. The Ministry of Health through county government need to promote female condom use among youths in tertiary institutions through product distribution, opportunities to practice correct use and communication addressing misconceptions about female condom use

Mediating Effect of Dynamic Capabilities on Human Capital as a Driver of Research Productivity of Academic Staff in Kenyan Universities

Research productivity is increasingly being recognised as a key measure of achievement and is therefore a basis for promotion and tenure for academic staff as well as an important component in the global ranking of universities. However, research productivity of academic staff in Kenyan universities is characterised by limited publications, resulting in the low positioning of Kenyan universities in global rankings. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of human capital and dynamic capabilities on research productivity of academic staff in Kenyan universities. This study adopted a correlational research design and sampled 392 academic staff members. Both regression and bootstrap analyses were used to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that human capital has a significant influence on research productivity of academic staff in Kenyan universities; however, the influence of human capital is not direct, but is partially mediated by dynamic capabilities. The outcomes of the study provide insight to academic staff to invest heavily in both human capital and dynamic capabilities to foster research productivity. Additionally, the results of the study provide an understanding to the university management on possible strategic choices that can boost the research productivity of academic staff