REGULATING DISTRESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA
REGULATING DISTRESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS OF FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS IN KENYA
Ruth Munguti - DBA Candidate, Chandaria School of Business, United States International University – Africa, Kenya
Dr James Karimi (PhD) - Lecturer, Chandaria School of Business, United States International University – Africa, Kenya
Dr Juliana Namada (PhD) - Lecturer, Chandaria School of Business, United States International University – Africa, 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, which emphasizes leaders’ ability to manage stress and maintain productive levels of tension within organizations. A descriptive correlational design was adopted, and data was collected from 28 top-level managers in registered FBOs in Kenya using structured questionnaires, with 20 valid responses representing a 71.4% response rate. 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), indicating that effective conflict management, supportive environments, and clear direction significantly enhance FBO performance. The study concluded that leaders who maintain composure, manage stress, and provide clarity during challenging situations improve institutional stability, stakeholder satisfaction, and goal achievement. It recommends that FBOs strengthen leadership development programs focusing on conflict management, setting goals, adaptive and emotional intelligence skills to ensure resilience and sustainability in dynamic environments.
