Sources of sustainable competitive advantage in top ranking secondary schools in Nairobi

Abstract

A number of research studies have been done on sustainable competitive advantage. Interestingly, research done in various industries have not validated any single, clear set of practices that sustain high performance but some guiding principles that would set one in the right direction. However, very little if any empirical research has been done in the service industry. The purpose of this study therefore was to identity sources of as well as strategies used in top ranking secondary schools in Nairobi to sustain competitiveness. To realize the purpose, the population was of 18 schools that met the criteria of being consistently in the top in national examination (K.C.S.E) in Kenya for the years 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, and are based in Nairobi. Since the population was small, all the schools were sampled. The effective sample was 17, the ones who responded. A questionnaire was administered on a 'drop and pick later' basis. The processing and analysis of data involved computation of frequencies, percentages and means. Data was presented in bar graphs and frequency tables. The study revealed that the schools are keen on improving the skills of their staff, and are close to the customer. Communication played a big role in unifying the links amongst the staff, parents and students. Technology has greatly been embraced by these schools, giving them a competitive edge. Majority of the schools were characterized by visionary and strategic leadership