Moderating Effect of Ownership Structure on the Relationship between Working Capital Management Decisions and Financial Performance of Tea Firms in Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The general objective of this research study was to examine the moderating effect of ownership structure on the relationship between working capital management decisions and financial performance of tea firms in Kenya. Expansive research studies are available on the strategies employed by tea firms to boost their financial performances. However, Very minimal of these research studies are geared towards the contribution of working capital management decisions employed by these companies within the tea sector in Kenya. Methodology: The study employed a correlational research design. The data was collected was collected from the audited financial statements of all the multinationals and KTDA managed tea firms in Kericho, Bomet and Nandi counties of Kenya. The data was analyzed by employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: This research study revealed that there exists a moderating effect of ownership structure on the relationship between working capital management decisions and financial performance of tea firms in Kenya. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The research study recommended that the KTDA managed tea firms should be advised to adopt the strategies employed by multinational tea firms in order to boost and improve their financial performance. Tea firms are strongly cautioned against increasing accounts receivables period, accounts payables payment period and inventory conversion period because this would minimize their financial performance in the long-run.