PROBLEM-SOLVING COMPETENCIES AND PERFORMANCE OF FLOUR MILLING COMPANIES IN KENYA
PROBLEM-SOLVING COMPETENCIES AND PERFORMANCE OF FLOUR MILLING COMPANIES IN KENYA
Peter Ambrose Ng'ang'a - PhD in Entrepreneurship, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Dr. Samson Nyang’au Paul (Ph. D) - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Dr. Ann Marie Wairimu (Ph. D) - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Dr. Susan Ingasia Naikuru (Ph. D) - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
ABSTRACT
The study examined the influence of problem-solving competencies on the performance of flour milling companies in Kenya. The study was guided by Cognitive Load Theory. A descriptive research design and post-positivism approach were adopted. The study targeted 59 registered flour milling companies with 472 employees comprising management, supervisory and junior employees. Using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) formula, a sample size of 212 respondents was determined. Primary data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, while quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 28 through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and regression analysis. From the 212 questionnaires administered, 167 were completely filled and returned, representing a response rate of 78.8%. The findings established a strong and statistically significant relationship between problem-solving competencies and performance of flour milling companies in Kenya (r = 0.860, p < 0.001). Regression results further showed that problem-solving competencies explained 31.5% of the variation in company performance and had a positive and statistically significant influence on performance (β = 0.364, p < 0.001). The study concluded that problem-solving competencies positively and significantly influence the performance of flour milling companies in Kenya. The study recommends that management of flour milling companies should strengthen problem-solving competencies through structured decision-making frameworks and continuous improvement systems that empower employees at all levels to identify, analyze, and resolve operational and strategic challenges promptly.
