A survey of strategic choices in faith based non governmental organizations in Nairobi

Abstract

This research was a survey on Strategic Choices in Faith Based Non Governmental Organizations in Nairobi. The study had two objectives. Since there is no organization that operates outside the environment, there was a concern to find out about strategic choices in faith Based NGOs and factors that influence them in Kenya. Special focus was on Faith Based NGOs based in Nairobi. The research was a cross sectional study on fifty Faith Based organizations randomly selected. 34 organizations responded, giving a response rate of 68%. Primary data was collected via a questionnaire with both open and closed questionnaires addressed to chief executive officers of the organizations. Data was collected through drop and pick method. Data was coded and analyzed using SPSS software package and the information was presented in form of tables, frequencies, percentages and proportions. Findings reveal that the most popular strategy used by Faith Based NGOs is partnership (25%), followed by cost control (22%) and multiple source of funding (16%). The least used strategy is competition and business activities (3%). Findings suggest that for Faith Based NGOs, beneficiaries are better served through cooperation, partnership and networking rather than by competition. Major factors that drive strategic choices are recipients needs with the highest mean score of 4.6\, followed by resources available with a mean score of 4.41, and mission and scope with a mean score of 4.38. Values and culture occupy the fourth position with a mean score of 4.32. The least determining factor is competitors with a mean score of2.89. Because of the pace and speed of changes in the environment, there is no best strategy. The best strategy is a strategy that helps the organization to be sustainable and grow. Managers of Faith Based NGOs have to continuously find a match between the internal position of the organizations and the external environment. Faith Based NGOs should not lag behind changes in the environment.