STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF HORTICULTURAL PROCESSING FIRMS IN MURANG’A COUNTY KENYA

Abstract

Strategic alliances are collaborative agreements and partnerships that are established by horticultural processing companies with other stakeholders which include suppliers, distributors, research facilities and government agencies. These alliances are meant to capitalize on the strengths of partners, resource sharing and meeting shared goals, which will eventually improve the performance of the firms. This paper will analyze how strategic partnerships affect the organizational performance of horticultural processing companies in Muranga County Kenya. Based on the stakeholder theory, this study offers a solid theoretical frame of reference to study these relationships. The research design used is a descriptive correlational study, focusing on the entire number of 60 horticultural product processing companies in the Murang'a County, therefore a census. Structured questionnaires were used to gather primary data that was administered to the operations manager or his/her counterparts in each company. The collected data was analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis, exploring the relationships between strategic partnerships and organizational performance. The research results established that strategic alliances are positive and influential in improving organizational performance of horticultural processing companies in Murang’a County in Kenya. The suggestion to enable strategic alliances through creation of platforms and policies which foster cooperation resonate well in the purpose of examining the connection between strategic partnerships and organizational performance in horticultural firms. Encouraging engagement, alliances, and collaboration among stakeholders enhances resource sharing, knowledge transfer, and market access. Such partnerships can lead to cost efficiencies, joint innovation, and improved problem-solving capacity. By fostering trust and long-term relationships, firms can strengthen their competitive position and respond more effectively to market and environmental challenges. Ultimately, well-structured partnerships contribute to sustainable growth, improved operational outcomes, and higher performance levels within the horticulture sector.