Strategic Responses of International Reproductive Health NGOs operating in Kenya to Changes in the Environment

Abstract

Changes in the operating environment of organizations are unavoidable. Changes can come about as a result of improvements in technology, realignment of government policies and strategies, increases in competition, globalization, liberalization and HIV/AIDS among others. Organizations respond to these changes by crafting strategies which guarantee sustainable strategic advantage in spite of the changes in their operating environments. This study evaluates challenges facing Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) within the Reproductive Health in Kenya as a result of changes in their operating environment and the strategic responses to these challenges. The main objectives of the study were to determine the challenges facing Reproductive Health NGOs as a result of HIV/AIDS and to find out the strategic responses by Reproductive Health NGOs to the environmental challenge of HIV/AIDS. The study was designed as a survey research of NGOs involved in reproductive health. The study population consisted of all NGOs involved in the reproductive health field. A random sample of 30 organizations was drawn from this population and data obtained from questionnaires mailed to respondents within the selected organizations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentages computed. These statistics were then presented in frequency distribution tables. The major findings of the study are that changes in the operating environment that are attributable to HIV/AIDS have resulted into higher medical and operating costs for most organizations. Most organizations have responded to these changes by developing HIV/AIDS strategies and polices. These polices have been generally effective in dealing with challenges brought about by HIV/AIDS. It is concluded that HIV has generally had effects on the operating environment of reproductive health NGOs. HIV IAIDS has increased the costs associated with healthcare in these organizations and has also resulted into increases in training costs It is also concluded that reproductive health NGOs have effectively developed strategies to counter the changes in their operating environment.