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

Abstract

This study examined the influence of regulating distress on the organizational effectiveness of Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) in Kenya. The study was guided by adaptive leadership theory, with regulating distress as the independent variable and organizational effectiveness as the dependent variable. A descriptive correlational design was adopted, and data was collected from 20 top-level managers in registered FBOs in Kenya using structured questionnaires in a Likert Scale of 1 to 5. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The findings revealed a strong positive and significant relationship between regulating distress and organizational effectiveness (r = 0.726, p < 0.05). Regression results showed that regulating distress accounted for 52.7% of the variation in organizational effectiveness (R² = 0.527). The study concluded that regulation of distress is a foundational determinant of organisational effectiveness within Kenyan FBOs.  The transition from a potentially toxic to a supportive, goal-oriented workspace is essential for the long-term sustainability of FBOs.  Leaders in FBOs should move beyond hierarchical leadership approaches to an adaptive approach that prioritises creation of a safe environment, through training leaders in emotional management skills and empathetic communication. Future studies should consider higher sample and a wider scope beyond Kenya to allow for generalization.  Other studies should also consider other dimensions of adaptive leadership to assess their collective influence on organizational effectiveness.