INFLUENCE OF STRATEGIC ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIORS ON COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN ANIMAL FEEDS INDUSTRY IN NAKURU CITY, KENYA
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Animal feeds industry in Kenya faces volatility in raw material supply, increasing regulatory pressures, and rising import competition. However, gaps in strategic organizational behaviors at the individual, group, and technological levels continue to hinder optimal performance.
Purpose of the Study: This study sought to examine the influence of strategic organizational behaviors on competitive advantage among animal feeds manufacturing firms in Nakuru City, Kenya. Guided by the hypothesis that strategic individual behavior does not significantly influence competitive advantage
Methodology: The study adopted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design under a pragmatic philosophy. The target population comprised 3,785 employees across 38 firms, with a final quantitative sample of 400 respondents determined using Cochran’s formula for finite populations, and 20 key informants purposively selected for qualitative insights. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and interviews, with validity confirmed by expert review and reliability established through Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.7. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS Version 25.
Results: The findings revealed a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between strategic individual behavior and competitive advantage (r = 0.762, p < 0.01). Regression analysis further showed that strategic individual behavior had a significant effect on competitive advantage (β = 0.251, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The study concluded that fostering leadership development, motivation, skill enhancement, and constructive feedback strengthens employees’ strategic engagement, thereby enhancing firm competitiveness.
Recommendation: The study recommended that firms institutionalize leadership and motivation programs, align individual goals with organizational objectives, and invest in continuous professional development to sustain long-term competitive advantage.
Keywords: Strategic individual behavior, competitive advantage, leadership, motivation, employee performance.
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