Strategic Safety Management System and Sustainable Competitive Advantage in Kenya’s Aviation Companies
Keywords:
Strategic Safety Management System, Sustainable Competitive Advantage, Regulatory Compliance, Aviation Industry, kenyaAbstract
The study examined influence of Strategic Safety Management System (SSMS) on sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) among aviation companies in Kenya. Specifically, it analyzed the effects of strategic aircraft maintenance, flight operations management, quality management systems, and human resource planning, and assessed the moderating role of regulatory compliance. Anchored on Stakeholder and Total Quality Management theories, the study adopted a positivist philosophy and a mixed-methods approach. Data was collected from 360 managers across 60 licensed aviation companies using questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), while qualitative data was analyzed thematically using NVIVO. The findings revealed that all SSMS components significantly enhanced sustainable competitive advantage. Strategic quality management systems and flight operations management had the greatest influence, followed by aircraft maintenance and human resource planning. Regulatory compliance exhibited both a direct positive effect on SCA and a significant moderating effect on the relationship between SSMS components and SCA. The study concludes that robust safety management systems, supported by regulatory compliance and a proactive safety culture, are critical for achieving sustainable competitiveness in the aviation industry. It recommends continuous staff training, investment in safety technologies, and routine safety audits to strengthen operational efficiency and organizational resilience.
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