Influence of Regulating Distress on Organizational Effectiveness of Faith-Based Organizations in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of adaptive leadership on organizational effectiveness of Faith-based organizations (FBOs) in Kenya. The specific objective was  to examine the influence of regulating distress on the organizational effectiveness of FBOs in Kenya. The null hypothesis assumed regulating distress has no significant influence on the organizational effectiveness of FBOs in Kenya. The study was anchored on adaptive leadership theory, and guided by positivism philosophy. A descriptive correlational design was adopted, with a target population of 345 top level executives from FBOs.  A sample of 185 executives was determined using Yamane’s (1967) formulae, and primary data collected from them with a response rate of 89.7%. Quantitative data were collected using an electronic questionnaire, analysed using descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics that included correlation, and regression analysis. Correlation coefficient (R) between regulating distress and organizational effectiveness was 0.695, indicating a moderate to strong positive relationship. Regression analysis had a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.483, suggesting that approximately 48.3% of the variation in organizational effectiveness can be explained by regulating distress. The overall regression model was statistically significant (F (1,164) = 153.518, p < 0.05). The positive coefficient indicates that as leaders enhance their ability to regulate distress by providing clear direction, maintaining distress at optimal levels, and creating a supportive environment, the effectiveness of their organizations increases correspondingly. The results led to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study concluded that regulation of distress is an adaptive foundational determinant of organisational effectiveness within Kenyan FBOs. As such, the study recommended that FBOs should institutionalize leadership capacity-building programs that focus on regulating distress including setting clear goals, conflict management, and a supportive environment.  At the policy level, policy makers within the FBO sector should integrate such frameworks into their human resource policies.