THE ROLE OF QUALITY IN GROWTH OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the contributions of quality initiatives towards growth and industrialization of manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya. Quality has been recognized as a successful management philosophy in the manufacturing industry.  The study adopted an exploratory approach using a descriptive survey.  The instruments of the study were a questionnaire, interview schedule (structured) and an observation checklist. In this study, 123 manufacturing SMEs were extensively surveyed, to ascertain contributions made by quality initiatives in the manufacturing sector towards realizing growth and industrialization. The correlations between various quality implementation dimensions and growth have been evaluated and validated by employing various statistical tools. The findings revealed that  quality has a positive influence on growth and industrialization of an organization and economic development in general. The overall results indicated that entrepreneurial management (EM), marketing orientation (MO) and capacity enhancement of employees had significant linear relationship with quality. Surprisingly, no statistical evidence was found to confirm the effect of investing in technology and  adoption of quality.  The study recommended that  SMEs must create a culture that is conducive to and supportive of quality implementation. They must align quality implementation with their goals and competitive environment. Government and other organizations supporting entrepreneurship development could assist and train manufacturing SMEs to acquire appropriate technology. This will go a long way in assisting SMEs in initiating quality practices supported by technology. Findings of the present study may assist public policy – makers and entrepreneurs to evaluate the importance of quality in enhancing SME growth, which serve as the best potential source of job creation and industrialization of the Kenyan economy.