Abstract: The study sought to establish the relationship between Strategic Planning and Growth of Women Owned Small and medium Enterprises in Kisii. Specifically, the study sought to determine the influence of: Organizational envisioning, environmental awareness, strategy options, and planning instruments on growth of Women owned Small and Medium Enterprises at Daraja Mbili market Kisii County. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population included women owners/managers of enterprises at Daraja market. Data gotten showed the target population of 450 women owned enterprises. These enterprises were categorised into four different sectors/trades: Textile, Metal fabrication, Woodwork and Other trades. Stratified random sampling technique was used to establish and access the study sample of 158 respondents. Primary and secondary data was collected. Primary data was collected by structured questionnaires. Secondary data was collected from relevant government institutional documents and publications in referred journals. The collected data was edited, coded and entered into SPSS version 16.0 software for analysis. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. In particular, Regression Analysis was used to investigate the relationships between hypothesized variables. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate whether independent variables had combined effect on the dependent variable. The findings were presented using figures and tables. The study found out that SME owners have a vision in their minds but not shared amongst organizational members. This is reflected in their lack of a well stated and communicated vision, mission and value statements. However, the study found enterprise owners/managers to be well aware of the prevailing environment. The study also found that SME’s tend to rely on differentiation and focus/niche business strategy more than on cost leadership and innovation strategies. The study further established that about three quarter of entrepreneurs reported to not having any planning instrument. In conclusion, the study provides evidence that strategic planning does influence growth of SME. The study recommends institutional support to this sector in the form of business development services to motivate this sector to grow. The study also recommends to SME through their associations to build networks both within and without to help members learn best practices for sustainable growth
Keywords: Organizational envisioning, environmental awareness, strategy options, planning instruments on growth.
Title: Strategic Planning and Growth of Women- Owned Small and Medium Enterprises in Daraja Mbili Market, Kisii County
Author: Alice Nyakerario Makini, Dr Jane Omwenga
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 10, Issue 2, April 2022 - June 2022
Page No: 216-240
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 20-May-2022
