Internationalization Strategies Adopted By Firms In The Elevator Industry In Kenya To Achieve Competitive Advantage

Abstract

The key aim of the survey was to investigate and determine internationalization strategies adopted by firms in the elevator industry in Kenya to achieve competitive advantage. Owing to the advent of internationalization, there is need to identify strategies capable of helping organizations to have an upper hand in competition in international markets. To achieve this, a descriptive research sign was adopted to ascertain current conditions of facts as derived from the research. The study population was 20 elevator firms in Kenya. Questionnaire method was used to acquire both secondary and primary data. The response rate was 80% after 48 out of 60 questionnaires were filled. In analyzing the data, descriptive statistics was used. For inferential analysis correlation was employed in determining how internationalization strategies and competitive advantage are related. Regression analysis was adopted in establishing the nature of the relationship. A conclusion of a positive correlation was found between the two in respect to elevator firms in Kenya. Most Kenyan elevator firms employed these strategies inclusive of Home based production orientation strategies, Contractual based orientation strategies and Foreign based orientation strategies to promote their competitive advantage. A positive effect was established on using the correlation analysis. The regression coefficients also proved positive correlation between the strategies and competitive advantage of firms in the elevator industry. In conclusion, it was not only found that using these strategies promoted competitive advantage but also strong correlation between internationalization strategies and competitive advantage. A recommendation to Kenyan elevator industries is that they should adopt internationalization strategies while evaluating the options of market entry. They may further incorporate the consideration of external environment of the international market. Future studies ought to be done on individual and specific elevator firms to establish how adoption of the internationalization strategies affects their competitive advantage