Determinants of Project Implementation by Grassroot Support Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya

Abstract

Projects play a crucial role in the economic development of a nation. Findings from various studies have indicated that organizations in various industries have embraced Project Management but the implementation process is still a challenge. This results in well-formulated projects failing at the implementation stage because of many factors ranging from unrealistic expectations, poor methodology, poor requirements, inadequate resources, poor project management, untrained teams, unrealistic budgets, to poor communication and more. This study sought to investigate determinants of project implementation and their effect on projects implemented by Grass-root Support Non-Governmental Organisations in Kenya. It was guided by positivism research philosophy and used the Cross-Sectional survey research design. The study had five objectives which sought to establish the effects of Team Leadership, Project Management Training, Project communication, Organizational culture and Organizational resources on project implementation. The target population of this study consisted 485 top management employees of 18 GSNGOs based in four counties in the eastern and central regions of Kenya; Tharaka-Nithi, Embu, Kitui and Kirinyaga. Stratified sampling and random sampling techniques were used to arrive at the sample size of 50 top management employees of the target GSNGOs. Tools for collecting data for the study were questionnaires, interviews and observation. Tool triangulation enhanced the quality of data collected. Quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Before administration of research instruments, their internal consistency and validity was determined through a pilot study. Quantitative data collected was analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The results of the study showed that Team Leadership techniques like ensuring that all resources were utilized for the intended purposes and involving everyone in decision making improved the implementation of Grassroot Support projects. There was a strong correlation between ‘team leadership is accessible to consult on project issues and transparency in organization matters’ and project implementation. The results also showed that Project Communication enhanced project implementation. There was a strong positive correlation between use of effective communication channels, holding frequent consultative meetings to discuss progress of the project and use of chain of command and implementation of projects. The results also revealed that Organisational Resources such as adequate funding and competent employees affected project implementation. There was a strong positive correlation between organizational resources and project implementation in Grassroot Support Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya. Results also indicated that the joint effect of the variables studied was higher than their individual effects. Further, Project Management Training and Organizational Culture had weak but positive effects on implementation of Grassroot Support projects. The study concluded that top project leadership needs to embrace effective leadership techniques, especially the Democratic leadership style, and effective communication where the flow of communication is clear and multi-directional. Also concluded was that when leadership embraces innovative methods of ensuring adequate resources and effectively utilizing them for the intended purposes enhances implementation of projects. This study recommends that the team leadership adopts democratic leadership style, effective communication and ensures that resources are adequate and of good quality to facilitate effective project implementation in their organisations