Influence of Organizational Partnerships on delivery of Social Transformation Work of Faith Based Organizations in Kenya: a case of Caritas Isiolo

Abstract

This research sought to investigate the influence of organizational partnerships on delivery of social transformation work of Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) in Kenya, taking a case Caritas Isiolo. The study was carried out in Isiolo County. Although FBOs in Kenya are geared towards facilitating social transformation, their influence on development has been unclear. Some FBOs seem to have better results in transforming the society while others seem to have massive challenges in carrying out this role. This informed the researcher’s decision to carry out the study to interrogate and understand the influence that organizational partnerships have on success of FBOs on enhancing social transformation. The research was guided by three objectives whereby the researcher sought to investigate on; organizational partnership values, engagements and resource strategies. The study adopted a descriptive research design with a population 27 Caritas FBOs in Kenya. A stratified random sampling technique was employed whereby there were four strata comprising of 1 Project coordinator, 8 Project officers, 29 Technical staff and 14 Social workers making a sample size of 52 respondents. There were also 2 top level managers who were key informants in the study. Primary data was collected through closed ended and structured questionnaires as well as use of key informants’ guide. The research revealed that organizational partnerships that Caritas Isiolo engaged in highly influenced delivery of social transformation, with 88.9% of respondents indicating that these engagements increased administrative efficiencies, effectiveness and joint programming. 90.4 % of respondents indicated that Caritas Isiolo made considerations of organizational values before getting into partnerships. This meant that organizational partnerships values were core to Caritas Isiolo in the delivery of social transformation. 75% of respondents indicated that Caritas Isiolo had procedures for resources mobilization and management. Having clearly stipulated resourcing strategies supported Caritas Isiolo to efficiently deliver social transformation. In the context of demising resources, FBOs in Kenya have a great role in ensuring that resources obtained for social transformation work are managed efficiently. It was revealed that organizational partnerships influence the way FBOs delivers their social transformation work in the society. By championing the organizations partnership values, FBOs in Kenya can have a great platform of ensuring common interests for their partnerships are safeguarded. The organizational partnership values are of great importance in determining how social transformation work of FBOs in Kenya is delivered. FBOs in Kenya should have defined processes that seeks accountability mechanisms and ensuring value for resources. Based on the results of this research the researcher recommends that FBOs in Kenya consider developing policy frameworks that are to be followed up while getting into organizational partnerships stipulating; procedures, values and resource strategies for Social transformation work.