EFFECT OF ISO 9001:2008 STANDARD CERTIFICATIONS ON SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE OF KENYAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The implementation of International Standards for Organizations (ISO) is likely to benefit educational institutions through enhancing service delivery and improving performance. Most of the public universities in Kenya are ISO certified but their performance has been a question of concern. The objectives of the study were to; establish the influence of employee training, resources, audit standards, resistance to change and management support on sustainable performance of Kenyan public universities. This study used institutional theory and stakeholder theory to provide a basis of understanding of sustainable performance. Explanatory research design was used. The target population was 30000. Yamane’s sample size formula was used to get a sample of 394 employees who included both teaching and non-teaching staff. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select the sample size. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to test reliability and validity was evaluated by use of face and content clarity. The study established the content and face validity to assess accuracy, meaningfulness, appeal and appearance of the data collection instruments. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed by use of descriptive and inferential statistics mainly Pearson correlation and multiple regressions. The findings of resources (β =0.463, t = 9.03; p < 0.05), training (β = 0.339, t = 7.156; p < 0.05), management support (β = 0. 179, t = 3.673; p < 0.05) and resistance to change (β = 0.155, t = 4.582; p < 0.05) had significant effect on sustainable performance of public universities. However, audit (β = 0.021, t= 0.589; p > 0.05) does not significant influence the sustainable performance of public universities. The findings show that training recorded the highest positive influence, the Management Support indicated a significant influence, also adequate resource recorded positively influencer and finally Audit did not have any influence on the sustainable performance on ISO 9001 in public universities. The main beneficiaries of the study were teaching and non-teaching staff and the policy makers of public universities. The researcher Recommended that for the smoother flow of ISO 9001:2008 standard certifications on sustainable performance in public universities, the government should always provide adequate resources for the implementation and avoid situations whereby employees are not well trained which will eventually lead to poor performance and high costs.