Organizational Pro-Activeness, Information Technology Capability, and Growth of Deposit Taking Saccos in Kenya

This study examined the impact of organizational proactiveness on the growth of deposit-taking Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) in Kenya, emphasizing the moderating role of information technology (IT) capability. Utilizing the Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) Theory, the research highlighted proactiveness as a critical factor in achieving growth objectives through innovation, market expansion, and strategic partnerships. A cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from all 175 regulated SACCOs through structured questionnaires and secondary sources. Statistical analyses, including descriptive and multivariate regression, revealed a significant positive relationship between proactiveness and SACCO growth, with 71.5% of growth variability explained by this factor. IT capability further enhanced this relationship, boosting the explanatory power to 91.2%. Key findings indicated that SACCOs with proactive strategies, such as entering new markets, introducing innovative products, and leveraging IT for operational efficiency, achieved substantial growth in market share, profitability, and customer satisfaction. The study underscored the critical role of IT in streamlining operations, improving customer service, and facilitating real-time decision-making. The results suggested that fostering a proactive organizational culture and integrating IT capabilities could significantly enhance the competitiveness and growth of SACCOs. Recommendations included investing in IT infrastructure, developing staff competencies, and adopting differentiated marketing strategies to maximize growth potential. Future research was recommended to explore longitudinal impacts and cross-country comparisons to provide broader insights into the interplay between proactiveness, IT capabilities, and organizational growth.