Strategic Firm Level Dimensions and Performance of Safety Management System in the Aviation Industry in Kenya

Abstract

The general objective of this study was to examine the influence of strategic firm level dimensions on the performance of Safety Management System in the Aviation Industry in Kenya. The Aviation Industry is a targeted enabler of various economic blueprints including the Kenya Vision 2030 and AU Agenda 2063. However, the industry continues to experience frequent incidents and accidents in spite of the fact that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) introduced various safety management system strategies. Aviation safety reports depict a trend that is worrying globally and locally. Kenya has witnessed aviation accidents or occurrences yearly, since 2009. The accidents and incidents not only paint a gloomy picture for investors and implementers of the numerous roadmaps but also a concern to the flying public and policy drivers of Kenya’s economy in her bid to strengthen a grasp on the regional aviation hub. The study examined the influence of stakeholder collaboration, capacity building, strategic leadership and firm resources on the performance of safety management system among firms providing services in the Aviation Industry in Kenya. The researcher assessed the moderating influence of organizational culture on the relationship between strategic firm level dimensions and performance of safety management system. This study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design and applied the proportionate stratified random sampling to capture key population characteristics in the sample. The study collected primary data from the aviation service providers using a structured questionnaire and obtained secondary data from Flight Safety Foundation website. The study involved a census of the 132 managers implementing safety management system in all the aviation service providers in Kenya as prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The data collected was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Qualitative responses were analyzed using content analysis. The descriptive technique involved generation of frequencies, mean and percentages while inferential analysis technique involved establishing significant linear relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variables. Pearson’s correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed under the inferential analysis. The ANOVA F-statistic was used to test the research hypothesis for the regression coefficients for each variable. The data was presented in form of tables, graphs, and charts. The study concluded that strategic firm level dimensions had a statistically significant and positive influence on performance of safety management system in the Aviation Industry in Kenya.The study also concluded that organizational culture had a significant moderating influence on the relationship between strategic firm level dimensions and performance of safety management system in the Aviation Industry in Kenya. The study recommends congruous consultations between aviation players, harmonization of aviation training programs and that top management should ensure firm resources are provided sufficiently to implement safety management system. Ministry of Transport should ensure that regulatory requirements are met and that aviation leaders should adopt strategic leadership practices to achieve the desired performance of safety management system.