Influence of Strategic Capability on Competitive Advantage Of Cut flowers Exporting Firms in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The study sought to explore the influence of strategic capabilities on competitive advantage of cut flower exporting companies in Kenya. Specific objectives of the study were: To assess the influence of human resource capability on competitive advantage of cut flower exporting companies in Kenya;  To determine the influence of financial capability on competitive advantage of cut flower companies in Kenya; To establish the influence of knowledge management on competitive advantage of cut flower exporting companies in Kenya; To assess the influence of financial capability on competitive advantage of cut flower exporting companies in Kenya and to  establish the influence of technological capability on competitive advantage of cut flower exporting companies in Kenya. It was anchored on the theories of Resource Based Theory (RBT); Dynamic Capability and Human Resource Theory. The target population was 228 composed of directors, marketing managers, financial officers and accountants as well as supervisors. A sample size of 70 respondents was used. The primary data was collected using a questionnaire pretested for validity and reliability. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics where data was coded and descriptive statistics generated using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences. Results were presented using, tables. The study found that human resource capabilities and knowledge management capabilities have positive and significant influence on competitive advantage of cut flower exporting companies in Kenya. Financial capability had a negative significant influence while technological capabilities had positive but insignificant influence on competitive advantage of cut flower exporting companies in Kenya. The study recommended that firms should strive to cultivate organizational capabilities. Recommendation is made to the cut flower firms’ management to come up with ways and procedure to enhance the capabilities of individual players such as the managers and subordinate staff in terms of technology, knowledge management capabilities and financial capabilities. Strategic Capabilities, Human Resource Capabilities, Financial Capabilities, Knowledge Management Capabilities, Technological Capabilities, Competitive Advantage