School of Business and Economics
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Muriithi, Samuel M. (European Journal of Research and Reflection in Management Sciences, 2020)[more][less]
Abstract: The doctor’s ability to diagnose the correct illness can determine life or death of a patient. Failure to do the right assessment only worsen the situation and reduce patient’s chances of survival while application of the right diagnostic test gives hope and life. However, to get the correct results, the doctor not only needs the right knowledge, skill and experience or competencies, the proper tools must be used. Like a patient, organisations must do the right assessment and use the right tools or models to correctly identify and “treat” their “diseases”. A corporate CEO must have the right tools and competency to guarantee corporate survival and sustainability. This paper examines the importance of diagnosis as a mean to assess corporate current situation and re-position the corporate to attain strategic competitiveness. The paper proposes a new Future Business Diagnostics Model which is based on decades of world-wide research of different models and applications. The Future Business Diagnostics Model is also based on current challenges facing businesses such as digital and technology, leadership and structural, and COVID-19 pandemic challenges. The paper argues that the future businesses must be driven by six pillars, namely Innovation and Creativity, Technology, Culture, People, and right Structure and Business Process, all steered by visionary Strategic Leadership. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3616 Files in this item: 1
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Nderitu, Joyce W.; Minja, David; Muriithi, Samuel (International Journal of Management Sciences, 2014)[more][less]
Abstract: With the upcoming private universities in Kenya confirms that there is fierce competition on funds, students, and right delivery of the higher education (Barnes in Kearney, 1994). The stiff competition is especially for students, and this competition can be won only on quality grounds (Abagi, Nzomo, &Otieno, 2005). The study was to identify the challenges facing Pan Africa Christian (PAC) University in gaining sustainable competitive advantage. It was also to establish sustainable strategies that the university was using to counter the challenges it is facing. The participants included university staff, faculty and students’ leaders. Based on the findings, it was concluded that challenges facing PAC University existed and they were expressed differently by various participants. Lack of funds was expressed as a major challenge at the University. Several recommendations were made to market and support the university with finances; University also needed to come up with ways of earning money by establishing more funding bases. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3615 Files in this item: 1
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Muriithi, Samuel M. (European Journal of Research and Reflection in Management Sciences, 2021)[more][less]
Abstract: The negative effect of Covid-19 to the world economy is estimated to be $12 trillion by 2021. During the same period, over 400 million full-time jobs were lost globally by the second quarter of 2020. In Africa, the pandemic led to a negative growth of -5.1% by 2020 thereby plunging the continent into the worst recession in 25 years. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which employs between 70% and 90% of the population the effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic has been even more severe with 87% of business owners uncertain the future of their businesses. The biggest challenges to business survival were associated inadequate financing support, uncertainty, lack of government support and numerous measures meant to curb COVID-19 such as lock-downs. In Africa and elsewhere in the world, business survival, growth and sustainability is dependent on a paradigm shift and adoption of innovative business models and strategies. Such strategies include proactive planning, financial boosts, non-financial support and government incentives. For post-COVID-19 period specifically, a new thinking is essential. Such thinking including development of new business models, reshaping and redefining customer bases, an eye on business opportunities and establishment of reliable source of funding URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3614 Files in this item: 1
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Muriithi, Samuel M. (European Journal of Research and Reflection in Management Sciences, 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: Small and medium enterprises (SEMs) are notably the engines that drive economic development. The businesses account for almost 90% of businesses in both leading and developing economies through job creations, employment, tax provision and contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, in Africa, besides their critical and positive role, many SMEs face numerous challenges ranging from power shortage, lack of capital, poor management skills and competencies, and inadequate information and corruption. It is notable that most African governments give very little support to SMEs thereby neglecting a vital economic trigger and should form pillars of development. This paper explored the role played by SMEs, their contributions, challenges and solutions. The paper is based on empirical evidence and current research on SMEs worldwide with a major focus on African SMEs and how to improve their operations and profitability. The paper calls for African governments to develop policies favourable to SMEs development and put them in their development agenda. With appropriate legal framework, business infrastructure, continual power supply and accessible financial supply, SMEs stand to contribute to African development and position the continent as a competitive and innovative and create jobs to unemployed communities thereby providing income and essential goods and services the 1.2 billion Africans, forming a huge market URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3613 Files in this item: 1
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Muriithi, Samuel M. (International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies (IJIRAS), 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: Family businesses are the backbone of the world economic where they are associated with economic and social transformation. While majority of large family businesses perform better than corporate or public organisations, there are millions of such businesses that do not survive beyond their first generation of operation. The inability to succeed is associated to several challenges among them trying to accommodate all family members in the businesses, over-specialising and under-specialising in certain functional areas and creating expertise gaps, diverting funds away from businesses and inability to manage family conflict especially relating to generation succession. However, with good strategies to manage family members’ role in businesses, acquiring appropriate expertise, effective management of success across generations, promoting cohesions and talent management, such family businesses can survive across generations and decades. This paper is based on empirical evidences from existing researches and studies aimed at generating lessons that upcoming or start-up family businesses can learn from experienced and well established successful family businesses. The paper is based on over 6000 family businesses studied by leading world scholarly and research bodies. This makes the lessons therein not only credible but very valuable for upcoming family businesses, policy makers and government bodies, all interested in family businesses. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3612 Files in this item: 1
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Muriithi, Samuel M. (European Journal of Research and Reflection in Management Sciences, 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: The China-Africa relationship has gained momentum in last few decades with China recognised as Africa’s second largest trading partner after United States of America. The trade mostly involves manufacturing, agriculture, mining and construction. To facilitate this trade thousands of Chinese firms have invested heavily with some even relocating their activities to Africa. In terms of benefits, Africa has gained from jobs creations with 80% to 95% of local employees hired while China has profited from lower wage bills, improved government relations and local knowledge. However, although majority of African employees have benefitted from China investments, discontent continues among African elites who feel excluded from Chinese top management. Similarly, the Chinese style of management has come under scrutiny as it differs from Western management styles that dominate Africa management following century long colonial history. This paper examines the Chinese management in Africa, its implications, challenges and solutions. The paper observes that there is a strong relationship between African and Chinese cultures as both are hedged on similar cultural values systems like Ubantu and ren-yi-li respectively. The paper further acknowledges the impact of Western management and calls a hybrid management that is appropriate for African development. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3611 Files in this item: 1
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Muriithi, Samuel M. (European Journal of Research and Reflection in Management Sciences, 2018)[more][less]
Abstract: The last few decades have witnessed the meteoric rise of China as a world economic champion in terms of development, growth and impact, a move that seems to destabilize the economic and political dominance of the Western countries. However, the Chinese economic growth is not an accident but is a well-orchestrated plan meant to transform the country and its business enterprises. From a state controlled socialist economy, China has adopted open door policy, market oriented approach and political changes meant to navigate the country into a global market leader. At the heart of Chinese economic development is the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector. Recognising the central role played by SMEs, the Chinese Government integrated SMEs agenda in its national and social development strategic planning leading to development of numerous legislations and policies meant to promote and boost SMEs growth. Currently SME businesses are spread in all major sectors from manufacturing, constructions, agriculture to service industries. Some laws implemented to promote SMEs include eradicating barriers to growth, establishing equal level playing ground rules for all businesses, promoting scientific and technological innovations, and creation of conducive competitive atmosphere. As a strategy to ensure local and regional growth of SMEs, the government classified the businesses in terms of their absolute advantage. The move has seen categorisation of development into four main categories, namely township and village-based enterprises, private enterprises, state-owned businesses (SOEs) and joint-ventures. It is this strategy that has seen industries rise in all major regions resulting to development and employment creation across China. Comparing the Chinese Government’s role in supporting SMEs and African governments shows a sad reality. Although SMEs in Africa accounts for 95% of all businesses, 50% of GDP and 60% of employment, their rate of failure range from 50% to 90%. Unlike China, African governments have been accused of making it difficult for SMEs operations. With little or no incentives, SMEs have to contend with heavy taxes, high cost of production, lack of finances and poor legal and legislation structures. This paper presents Chinese Government as a model of how African countries can promote SMEs to steer development and transformation of their economies. The paper recommends that African governments prioritise SMEs as key pillars of economic and social development of individual countries and the continent as whole. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3610 Files in this item: 1
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Louw, Lynette; Muriithi, Samuel M.; Radloff, Sarah (SA Journal of Human Resource Management, 2018)[more][less]
Abstract: Orientation: Effective leadership is critical to the survival and growth of organisations. For such leadership to be realised, organisational leaders need to be competent in transformational leadership, which is described as a situation in which the leader and followers empower and shape each other’s behaviour to attain a desired goal. Research purpose: The purpose of this study is to empirically test the relationship between transformational leadership competency and leadership effectiveness in Kenyan indigenous banks. Motivation for this study: In spite of the fact that indigenous banks have been performing better recently, their overall poor performance is cause for concern. This study was motivated by a desire to establish the extent to which the recent improvement is attributable to transformational leadership competency and effectiveness. It is also anticipated that this investigation can highlight aspects of leadership which require more attention in order to sustain improved performance. Research design, approach and method: The study utilised a survey method to collect both quantitative and qualitative data while probability and non-probability techniques were used to sample target population. With 494 respondents targeted in the study, 257 responses were received and analysed. Data analysis was performed using structural equation modelling with Cronbach’s alpha, confirmatory factor analysis and goodness-of-fit indices for analysis and for testing relationships. Main findings: The overall findings confirm that a strong relationship exists between transformational leadership competencies and leadership effectiveness among the leaders of the indigenous banks in Kenya. Practical/managerial implication: Based on the findings of this study, Kenyan indigenous banks are able to identify specific and essential transformational leadership competencies and leadership effectiveness attributes. Contribution: The study has identified that transformational leadership abilities of inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individualised consideration and idealised influence, together with the leadership effectiveness indicators of cross-cultural competency, influence, follow commitment, versatility and group organisation are essential for the effectiveness of Kenyan banks. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3609 Files in this item: 1
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Muriithi, Samuel M.; Louw, Lynette; Radloff, Sarah E. (South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, 2018)[more][less]
Abstract: Background: Leadership effectiveness is critical to organisational performance and survival. To be effective, organisational leaders must possess the right competencies. One vital leadership competency is strategic thinking, which is described as the ability to synthesise and utilise intuition and creativity in order for an organisation to achieve an integrated perspective. Strategic thinking remains a critical area for research, owing to lack of supporting empirical literature, and to theories that give little or no guidance to leaders. Aim: The purpose of this study is to empirically test the relationship between strategic thinking competency and leadership effectiveness in Kenyan indigenous banks. Setting: The setting of the study is the indigenous banks in Kenya. Methods: The study was based on a positivist research paradigm which is quantitative in nature and utilised a survey method to collect data. Both probability and non-probability methods were used to determine the target population. The research instrument was a selfadministered, closed-ended questionnaire. From a target population of 494 individuals, a total of 257 responses were received and analysed. The analysis was performed using structural equation modelling with confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach’s alpha and goodness-of-fit indices being used for analysis and testing relationships. Results: The overall findings are that a positive relationship exists between strategic thinking and leadership effectiveness in indigenous banks in Kenya. The study further establishes positive relationships between the strategic thinking competency and its sub-constructs of general strategic thinking, intent-focused and hypothesis-driven, but a negative relationship with intelligent opportunism. A similar positive relationship exists between leadership effectiveness and its sub-constructs of influence, follower commitment and versatility. Conclusion: This research has established that strategic thinking is an important determinant of leadership effectiveness for indigenous banks in Kenya, and therefore supports prevailing literature and theory indicating a positive relationship. The implication of the study is that bank management should strive to maintain strategic thinking competency for effective leadership, successful bank performance and stability. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3608 Files in this item: 1
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Wambugu, Doris; Wachira, Muturi; Mwamba, Dorcas (International Journal of Business Strategies, 2016)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of innovation on service delivery. Methodology: The study adopted descriptive research design. The study adopted a descriptive analysis by use of descriptive statistics such as mean and frequencies. The target population in this study was 280 employees working in Nairobi GPO. A mixed sampling technique was adopted. The sample size of this study was 65 employees of Nairobi GPO Huduma Centres and 5 members of the public. This study used primary data. Data was collected using questionnaires. Results: These findings imply that products/service innovations carried out at Huduma centers have contributed immensely on performance of the centers in Kenya. The findings indicated that the respondents rated technology innovations to have major positive effects on increasing the number of people served, reducing time of service delivery, increasing accountability and transparency and finally improving public understanding of government activities. These findings imply that Huduma center innovations faced lack of adequate resources during implementations. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that Huduma should involve their staff more in the innovation in order to have better service delivery. The study also recommends that Huduma centers should encourage their customers to give their feedback on services and products innovation at the centers for further development. The study also recommends that Huduma centers directors should encourage the employees to come up with new ways to better service delivery. Huduma centers should also address the issue of lack of adequate and sufficient finance since it poses a major challenge to development of innovations at the centers URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3607 Files in this item: 1
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Wachira, Muturi; Jankowicz, Devi (European Journal of Business and Management, 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: The study which was exploratory in nature was aimed at examining the perception, constructs and intentions of accountants to disclose social responsibility information. Disclosure indices were used to determine the current Corporate Social Disclosures (CSD) practices of listed companies in Kenya and to classify companies as high disclosure companies and low disclosure companies, while repertory grid technique was used determine how accountants perceive and construe intention to disclose CSD. Interviews were conducted with accountants from both high disclosure and low disclosure companies. The repertory grid data were analysed in two stages: individual cases analysis and cross-cases analysis. The individual case were analysed using the principal component analysis. For the cross-cases analysis, content analysis was used to categorize constructs based on their expressed meaning. It was found that the reputation of the company is the main motivation for high disclosure companies to disclose social responsibility information and institutional factors were the main motivation for low disclosure companies. It is recommended that regulation and standardisation of CSD can make it more useful for decision-making by various stakeholders. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3606 Files in this item: 1
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Muriithi, Samuel; Wachira, Muturi (Researchjournali’s Journal of Human Resource, 2016)[more][less]
Abstract: Founders are remarkably innovative and creative persons driven by desire to fill critical needs in the society. The needs are addressed through creating organisations that produce goods and services that meet customer needs while at the same time fulfil founders’ dream and mission of being successful. Determined to succeed, most founders shape their organisations around their personality and beliefs, making the organisations to be synonymous with their philosophies and practices. Many founders exercise paternalistic, autocratic and overzealous leadership, making it difficult for other stakeholders to get a grip of the organisations, a behavioural pattern termed as “the founders’ syndrome.” The main characteristics of the founders’ syndrome include being self-drive, achievement oriented, resistant to change, sole-decision making and retaining the status quos. Conflict arises from those interested in seeing the organisations transit from the founders to other successor. To deal with founders’ syndrome and ensure smooth operations and smooth leadership transition, this paper provides several recommendations mong them developing strong all-inclusive leadership; building employees’ capacity to attain desired competence; practicing professionalism; establishing workable structures and succession planning mechanisms. Lastly, the organisations must be guided by relevant strategies that aid in attaining strategic positioning and competitive edge. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3605 Files in this item: 1
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Wachira, Muturi (African Journal of Business Management, 2019)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper examines the relationships between corporate governance variables and the extent of risk disclosures among listed companies in Kenya. The study aims to empirically examine the relationship between corporate governance variables and risk disclosures in 48 listed non-financial companies in Kenya. Content analysis of annual reports for the period 2010-2016 was used to measure the level of risk disclosures and compute the risk disclosure index for each company studied. The relationships between variables were analysed using panel data analysis. The findings show that the percentage of non-executive directors, ownership dispersion, percentage of foreign ownership, women in boards affected significantly the level of risk disclosures in the studied companies. Additionally, the control variables, firm’s size and firm’s profitability also significantly affected the level of risk disclosures. It can be concluded that the agency theory and the signalling theory can be used to explain the risk disclosure behaviours of listed firms in Kenya. It is recommended that companies should strengthen their corporate governance mechanisms in order to deal with risks facing them. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3604 Files in this item: 1
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Mwende, Joyce; Wachira, Muturi; Amata, Evans (International Journal of Academic Research in Economics and Management Sciences, 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: Financial institutions have mainly relied on incentive programs as their main strategic driver to increase electronic payments, such as through use of credit cards. Credit cards have been globally acclaimed for their benefits that range from their ability to ensure tax-compliance, security, instant cash and their ability to facilitate settlement of cross-border transactions. However, there exists a great challenge of credit card usage, such as ease of accumulation of debts and high interest charges. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of credit card incentives on consumer borrowing in Kenya. The study employed a descriptive study approach using a sample size of 18 commercial banks offering credit card services. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information. Credit card incentives were found to be a major contributor to credit card uptake. The study also found that most banks used incentives such as rewards for repeated use, low interest rates, traveling awards and benefits to influence the spending behavior of their clients. The study found credit card also affected spending behavior. It is concluded that credit card incentives can be effectively used by banks to increase use of credit cards. It is recommended that financial institutions should educated their customers on how to use their credit cards so that they do not fall into a debt trap. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3603 Files in this item: 1
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Wachira, Muturi (African Journal of Business Management, 2018)[more][less]
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to examine the relationship between risk disclosure and firm characteristics of companies quoted on the Nairobi Securities Market. The study involved all firms that were listed on the NSE between years 2010 and 2016, except the financial institutions. Annual reports were used to determine the variables. A regression analysis was conducted using the random effect model to determine the relationship between the disclosure index and firms’ characteristics. The results show that risk disclosure was positively related to gearing level, company size, profitability, and the industry type. However, it was not found to be related to the liquidity level, ownership and board composition. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3602 Files in this item: 1
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Wachira, Muturi (European Journal of Business and Management, 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: According to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, solid waste management is one of the indicators used to assess the quality of life. Many countries have formulated a policy on solid waste management. This is because solid waste management has become very crucial in the development of countries due to the increased pollution through the solid waste. Countries perform well in the solid waste management are seen to be serious in their sustainability efforts. This article reviews public policy in relation to solid waste management. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3601 Files in this item: 1
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Wachira, Muturi (European Scientific Journal, 2017)[more][less]
Abstract: This study which was exploratory in nature aimed to examine the extent to which firms listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange disclosure social responsibility information and also to determine company and corporate governance variables that influence the Corporate Social Disclosures (CSD) practice in Kenya. Data on the disclosure index and company characteristics were obtained from the annual reports of the respective companies. A relationship between the disclosure index and the various company characteristics was determined. It was found that size, profitability, liquidity, industry in which a company operates have a positive influence on the level of CSD. In addition, a company that a dispersed ownership disclosed more information than a company with concentrated ownership. Gearing and country of origin were found to have no influence on the level of CSD. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3600 Files in this item: 1
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Muriithi, Samuel Muiruri; Waithira, Veronicah; Wachira, Muturi (International Journal of Economics, Commerce and Management, 2016)[more][less]
Abstract: Small and medium sized businesses are the engines that drive economic development and contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) of most countries. The roots of such businesses are the families that form their foundations. To succeed, family business founders must establish strong foundations, structures and succession plans. This paper examined the role of African and Indian business founders in determining the future of their businesses across generations. The study targeted 52 business founders (owners) and managers operating Mombasa City (Kenya) and used stratified random sampling method to identify the respondents. A questionnaire was used as the primary data collection instrument while a documentary analysis was performed to attain secondary data. The paper found that family businesses are predominant among all respondents. It was also found that most Indian families involve family members in business during strategic development and planning. In terms of longevity, Indians businesses lasted longer while African businesses were only a few years old and rarely succeeded across two or three generations. Some the reasons given for successful family businesses include close family ties, trust and strong relationship among members. The study concluded that family businesses remain fundamental to economic development and the role of business founders and how they prepared their businesses for succession across generations is critical. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3599 Files in this item: 1
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Maringa, Elijah; Wachira, Muturi (Research Journal of Finance and Accounting, 2016)[more][less]
Abstract: The paper discusses the concept of efficient market hypothesis at Nairobi Securities Exchange. The research was carried out to investigate the effects of dividend announcements on stock prices at NSE in semi-strong form. Secondary data was collected and analysed from Nairobi Securities Exchange. It was concluded that Nairobi Securities Exchange is not efficient in semi-strong form URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3598 Files in this item: 1
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Financial Distress in Commercial and Services Companies Listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange, KenyaKihooto, Elijah; Omagwa, Job; Wachira, Muturi; Emojong, Ronald (European Journal of Business and Management, 2016)[more][less]
Abstract: The study sought to assess financial distress amongst commercial and services companies listed at the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Kenya with an objective of determining whether the companies in this sector were prone to bankruptcy. The study utilized secondary data collected from the Nairobi Securities Exchange over a five year period (year 2009 to year 2013). Using Altman’s Z score model, the study findings indicate that the companies’ Z scores (on average) lay between -1.88 to 3.5. This is an indication that the companies are relatively not in danger of bankruptcy. In view of this findings, the study concludes tha. in addition, the study recommends that…. URI: http://repository.daystar.ac.ke/xmlui/handle/123456789/3597 Files in this item: 1