Transforming Dynamic Capabilities and Quality Management Systems Performance: Evidence from Medium-Sized Manufacturers in Nairobi County, Kenya
Keywords:
Transforming Capabilities, Dynamic Capabilities, Quality Management Systems, ISO 9001:2015, Resource Reconfiguration, Medium Manufacturing Firms, Nairobi CountyAbstract
This study examined the effect of Transforming Capabilities on the performance of Quality Management Systems (QMS) among medium-sized manufacturing firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. Anchored on Dynamic Capability Theory and guided by a positivist mixed-methods approach, the study collected data from 221 respondents drawn from 496 ISO 9001:2015 certified firms. Quantitative data obtained from quality, production, and operations managers were analyzed using SPSS Version 27, while qualitative insights were gathered from purposively selected senior managers overseeing transformation and process improvement functions. Results indicate that Transforming Capabilities reflected in resource reconfiguration, strategic leadership, ESG-aligned transformation, technology adoption, adaptive resource allocation, and continuous strategic renewal significantly influence Performance of QMS, explaining 22.4% of the variance (R² = 0.224, β = –0.571, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings further revealed that firms that institutionalize transformation practices experience improved efficiency, enhanced sustainability alignment, and stronger responsiveness to market dynamics. The study concludes that Transforming Capabilities are a pivotal dynamic capability that supports QMS effectiveness by enabling firms to restructure processes, integrate new technologies, and adapt to external changes. Strengthening leadership-driven transformation mechanisms is recommended to improve innovation outcomes, operational performance, and long-term competitiveness.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Amos Kings Otieno Orwa, Paul Katuse, Timothy C Oketch
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
