Information and communication technology outsourcing and performance of humanitarian organizations in Kenya.

Abstract

Information technology plays an important role in the running of organizations. With the increasing need of IT, organizations are keen to review the service delivery of this crucial service. In view of the prevailing debate over the ICT outsourcing concept there is need to shed more light on the concept. To the humanitarian organisations this research is of immense importance in measuring the maturity of several elements of their current outsourcing and provides more information on those areas that perform insufficiently. The aim of this study was to establish the level of Information Communications and Technology outsourcing, the benefits, challenges and its impact on the performance of Humanitarian Organizations in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The population comprised of twenty seven Humanitarian organizations in Kenya. Sample of 135 employees were randomly selected for the study. Purposive sampling was used to select respondents for the study. The study relied on data collected through a questionnaire structured to meet the objectives of the study. This research has provided insight to managers and other concern personnel of humanitarian organization on whether to in-source or outsources ICT services. It has also helped organizations to identify benefits and leverage on them creating time to focus more on alleviating human suffering for the common good of improving human life. The research is also crucial in adding more information to the existing body of knowledge on the outsourcing concept in relation to Humanitarian organizations in Kenya. This is an important breakthrough for academicians who will always need this information in order to advance the existing body of knowledge in regard to IT outsourcing, its penetration, challenges, Benefits and influence on performance of organizations. Specifically the study looks into the impact of outsourcing on performance, adding to the existing body of knowledge required to assist policy makers make decisions that would change the way ICT support is handled. The study findings showed that information and communication technology outsourcing plays an important role in influence the performance of the humanitarian organizations to a large extent by assisting to improve response.