EFFECT OF DIFFERENTIATION AND HYBRID STRATEGIES ON PERFORMANCE OF DEPOSIT TAKING SAVINGS AND CREDIT CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN KENYA

Main Article Content

SAMUEL KURIA ALLAN
ENOS EZNE, PhD
DORCAS W. KIBATHI, PhD

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of differentiation and hybrid strategies on the performance of deposit-taking savings and credit societies (SACCOs). SACCOs have long been a strong pillar of the Kenyan financial sector and have played a key role in deepening financial inclusivity, thus their financial health was a significant benefit to the economy. The importance of competitive strategy in driving SACCO performance could not be underestimated, as a competitive strategy specified the path a firm would employ to gain a competitive advantage. The study was driven by three key objectives (i) To determine the influence of hybrid strategy on performance 0f deposit taking SACCOs (ii) to evaluate the relationship between differentiation and performance of deposit taking SACCOs (iii) To determine the moderating effect of the size of the firm on the relationship between competitive strategies and the performance of deposit-taking savings and credit co-operatives in Kenya. The sample size of the study involved 319 respondents from 176 SACCOs. A mixed approach of both qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed using questionnaires, interview schedules, and document review. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v21.0). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data and to draw conclusions. The correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between product differentiation, hybrid strategies and size of the firm and performance in savings and credit co-operatives (SACCOs). Regression analysis further revealed the importance of these strategies, hybrid strategies (Beta = 0.337, p < 0.000) and product differentiation (Beta = 0.668, p > 0.05).Based on the findings, SACCOs are recommended to adopt diversified approaches, embrace technology-focused competitive strategies, prioritize staff training and development, adhere to regulatory requirements, and maintain adequate capital reserves. Furthermore, suggestions for further study include longitudinal analyses, comparative studies across diverse SACCOs, empirical validation through quantitative surveys, qualitative inquiry methods, impact evaluations, and policy analyses.

Article Details

Section
Articles
Author Biographies

SAMUEL KURIA ALLAN, Kingdom Theological University, Kenya

PhD Candidate, Kingdom Theological University, Kenya

ENOS EZNE, PhD, Kingdom Theological University, Kenya

Professor, Kingdom Theological University, Kenya

DORCAS W. KIBATHI, PhD, Kingdom Theological University, Kenya

Lecturer, Kingdom Theological University, Kenya

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