Human Resource Management Practices and Firm Innovation: A Study of Technology Startups in Kenya

Authors

  • Lukas Wafula

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47604/ijsm.2482

Keywords:

Human Resource, Management Practices, Firm Innovation

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the human resource management practices and firm innovation: a study of technology startups in Kenya.

Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.

Findings: In technology startups in Kenya, recruitment strategies drive product innovatio44n by attracting diverse talent, while training initiatives enhance process innovation by improving technical skills. Performance appraisals promote organizational innovation by recognizing innovative contributions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Resource-based view (RBV) theory, social exchange theory & diffusion of innovation theory may be used to anchor future studies on the human resource management practices and firm innovation: a study of technology startups in Kenya. Technology startups should prioritize employee development and learning initiatives to nurture a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Policymakers should create a supportive regulatory environment that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in Kenya's technology startup ecosystem.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

African Development Bank (AfDB). (2019). African Economic Outlook 2019. Retrieved from https://www.afdb.org/

Agyemang, E., Ayernor, P. K., & Mensah, D. (2018). The role of mPedigree in the fight against counterfeit drugs in Africa. Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 8(1), 21. DOI: 10.1186/s40497-018-0110-4

Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). (2018). Innovation Survey 2018. Retrieved from https://www.ibge.gov.br/

Central Bank of Kenya (CBK). (2019). Annual Report 2019. Retrieved from https://www.centralbank.go.ke/

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). (2018). Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2018. Retrieved from https://www.cbn.gov.ng/

Chen, X., Cheng, L., Zhang, Y., & Wang, Y. (2016). The status of technology innovation and the countermeasures of China and the United States: A comparative study. International Journal of Business and Management, 11(9), 63-70. DOI: 10.5539/ijbm.v11n9p63

Communications Authority of Kenya (CA). (2020). Quarterly Sector Statistics Report Q2 2019/2020. Retrieved from https://ca.go.ke/

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). (2019). Indian Pharmaceutical Industry: The Way Forward. Retrieved from https://www.cii.in/

Foss, N. J., & Pedersen, T. (2016). Microfoundations in strategy research. Strategic Management Journal, 37(13), 1667-1687. DOI: 10.1002/smj.2464

Indonesian Ministry of Industry. (2019). Indonesia Industrial Outlook 2019. Retrieved from https://www.kemenperin.go.id/

Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education. (2020). National Research and Innovation Strategy 2020-2045. Retrieved from https://www.ristekdikti.go.id/

International Energy Agency (IEA). (2018). Off-Grid Electricity Access: A Challenge and an Opportunity. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). (2017). Africa Agriculture Status Report: The Business of Smallholder Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa. Retrieved from https://www.ifpri.org/

Japan Productivity Center. (2018). Productivity white paper 2018. Retrieved from https://www.jpc-net.jp/english/

Mello, J. A. (2015). Strategic human resource management. Cengage Learning.

National Bureau of Statistics of China. (2020). Statistical Bulletin of National Economy and Social Development in 2019. Retrieved from http://www.stats.gov.cn/

OECD. (2017). OECD Science, Technology and Innovation Outlook 2016. Paris: OECD Publishing. DOI: 10.1787/sti_in_outlook-2016-en

Ojo, T., Kehinde, S., & Iyanda, A. (2019). Organizational Innovation and Fintech Development in Nigeria: A Study of Flutterwave. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 11(2), 181-191. DOI: 10.1080/20421338.2018.1544795

South African Agricultural Research Council (ARC). (2019). Annual Report 2019. Retrieved from https://www.arc.agric.za/

South African Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). (2017). Renewable Energy Industry Development. Retrieved from https://www.thedti.gov.za/

United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). (2019). Economic Report on Africa 2019: Fiscal Policy for Financing Sustainable Development in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.uneca.org/

World Bank. (2017). World Development Report 2017: Governance and the Law. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/

Downloads

Published

2024-04-10

How to Cite

Wafula, L. . (2024). Human Resource Management Practices and Firm Innovation: A Study of Technology Startups in Kenya. International Journal of Strategic Management, 3(1), 41 – 53. https://doi.org/10.47604/ijsm.2482

Issue

Section

Articles