Top Management Demographics and Performance: An Empirical Investigation of Kenyan State Corporations

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of top management demographics on the performance of Kenyan state corporations. Through a cross sectional descriptive survey, data was obtained from 96 Kenyan state corporations using a semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicated that top management demographics had a statistically significant influence on the performance of Kenyan state corporations. The study contributes to the upper echelons theory and resource based theory. Policy makers will also benefit in ensuring that the aspects of top management demographics are properly mainstreamed in order to achieve high organizational performance. Managers who are in charge of attracting the top management teams in organizations will benefit in understanding the importance of having top managers with the right demographics in order to drive strategy. Based on the limitations of the study, areas for future research have been highlighted.