EFFECT OF COLLABORATIVE DECISION-MAKING PRACTICES ON SUSTAINABLE PROJECT AMONG EMPLOYEES AT LIPTON TEAS AND INFUSIONS, KERICHO, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose: The study examined the effect of collaborative decision-making practices on sustainable project outcomes at Lipton Teas and Infusions, Kericho, Kenya.
Methodology: A cross-sectional correlational research design was employed. The target population comprised 135 employees, and a stratified random sample of 107 was drawn. Data were collected using structured Likert-scale questionnaires, pilot-tested for validity and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82). Descriptive statistics summarized responses, while Pearson correlation and multiple regression tested relationships, supported by diagnostic checks for normality, multicollinearity, heteroscedasticity, and autocorrelation.
Results: The study achieved an 88.79% response rate (95 respondents). Findings revealed a significant positive effect of collaborative decision-making on sustainable project outcomes (β = 0.361, p = 0.001), with inclusivity, timeliness, and data-driven approaches enhancing risk management, cost-effectiveness, and project stability. A strong positive correlation was confirmed (r = 0.884, p = 0.002), underscoring the critical role of stakeholder engagement in advancing sustainability objectives.
Conclusion: The study concludes that collaborative decision-making is a critical driver of sustainable project outcomes in the tea sector. Inclusive, timely, and evidence-based decision-making enhances organizational adaptability, strengthens stakeholder alignment, and promotes resilience against sustainability challenges.
Recommendations: The study recommends strengthening stakeholder engagement frameworks through training, resource allocation, and digital decision-making tools.
Keywords: Collaborative Decision-Making, Sustainable Project, Stakeholder Engagement, Lipton Teas and Infusions, Kericho, Kenya.
References
Ahmed, J., Kathambi, B., & Kibugi, R. (2023). Rationale for decision-making processes in enhancement of community participation for sustainable mangrove management in Lamu, Kenya. Open Journal of Ecology, 13(6), 409-421. https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2023.136025
Akshay, Mehla, M. K., & Kumar, R. (2023). Reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting sustainable agriculture: Role of integrated pest management strategies in horticulture. In Multidisciplinary approach: Enhanced agriculture production in a sustainable way. Texas Tech University.
Alyamani, R., Long, S., & Nurunnabi, M. (2021). Evaluating decision making in sustainable project selection between literature and practice. Sustainability, 13(15), 8216. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158216
Alyamani, R., Long, S., & Nurunnabi, M. (2021). Evaluating decision making in sustainable project selection between literature and practice. Sustainability, 13(15), 8216. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13158216
Apenko, S., & Romanenko, M. (2020, September 10–12). Cross-functional flexible teams in sustainable project management. In The 14th International Days of Statistics and Economics. Prague, Czech Republic.
Berman, S. L., Wicks, A. C., Kotha, S., & Jones, T. M. (2019). Organizations, stakeholders, and sustainable development. Organization Science, 30(2), 347–361.
Berman, S. L., Wicks, A. C., Kotha, S., & Jones, T. M. (2019). Organizations, stakeholders, and sustainable development. Organization Science, 30(2), 347-361.
Berman, S. L., Wicks, A. C., Kotha, S., & Jones, T. M. (2021). Does stakeholder orientation matter? The relationship between stakeholder management and firm performance. Strategic Management Journal, 42(4), 599-623.
Brown, S. L., & Eisenhardt, K. M. (2018). The art of continuous change: Linking complexity theory and time-paced evolution in relentlessly shifting organizations. Administrative Science Quarterly, 63(1), 1–33.
Brown, T., & Green, M. (2022). Sustainable project management strategies. Routledge.
Defra. (2022). Sustainable project frameworks. Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. https://www.gov.uk/sustainability
FAO. (2020). Sustainable agricultural practices. Food and Agriculture Organization. http://www.fao.org/sustainability
Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Pitman Publishing.
Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Pitman Publishing.
Gareis, R., & Huemann, M. (2020). Sustainable project management: The GPM reference guide. Springer Nature.
Kassam, A., Friedrich, T., & Derpsch, R. (2015). Overview of sustainable agricultural practices. Field Actions Science Reports, 8. https://journals.openedition.org/factsreports/3966
Khahro, S. H., Shaikh, S. H., Zainun, N. Y., & Sultan, B. (2023). Delay in decision-making affecting construction projects: A sustainable decision-making model for mega projects. Sustainability, 15(7), 5872. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15075872
Laco, V. A. D. C., Briones, J. P., & Baldovino, F. P. (2024). Impact of Cross-Functional Integration on Organizational Performance of a Semiconductor Company in the Philippines. Organization and Human Capital Development, 3(1), 84-95. DOI: 10.31098/orcadev.v3i1.2011
Odhiambo, J. A., & Lango, B. (2024). Decision making and sustainability of World Vision community water projects in Homabay County, Kenya. International Journal of Social Sciences Management and Entrepreneurship, 8(1), 253–261.
Odhiambo, J. A., & Lango, B. (2024). Decision making and sustainability of World Vision community water projects in Homabay County, Kenya. International Journal of Social Sciences Management and Entrepreneurship, 8(1), 253-261.
Patel, R., & Green, M. (2022). Strategic communication in project management. Palgrave Macmillan.
Sharma, P., & Reddy, K. (2023). Challenges in adopting stakeholder-oriented approaches: A critical perspective. International Journal of Management Studies, 40(1), 89–105.
Sharma, S., & Reddy, V. (2023). Critiquing stakeholder theory: Power dynamics and equality assumptions. Journal of Business Ethics, 189(3), 451-467.
UNEP. (2020). Global environment outlook-6. United Nations Environment Programme. https://www.unep.org/resources/global-environment-outlook-6
USDA. (2019). Sustainable project management practices. United States Department of Agriculture. https://www.usda.gov/sustainability
World Economic Forum. (2021). The future of infrastructure sustainability. WEF Reports. https://www.weforum.org/reports
Xin, M., & Li, F. (2021). Sustainable infrastructure in Asia: Collaborative approaches. Journal of Integrative Sustainability, 10(2), 67–78.
Zeeburg, D. van. (2022, August 23). 68 business sustainability statistics (relevant in 2022). TravelPerk. https://www.travelperk.com/blog/business-sustainability-statistics/
