The Effect of service quality on customer satisfaction among hotels in Nairobi County, Kenya
Date
2020
Authors
Mutinda, Joy Musyoka
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Customers’ expectations are ever growing and ever changing hence service providers have to find ways of inventing, developing and providing new and better service offers, better service delivery mechanisms. In the current highly competitive hospitality industry environment, it is not only essential to know the significance of service quality but to also identify suitable operational strategies that ought to be implemented to achieve desired service quality goals. The general objective of the study was to establish the influence of service quality on customer satisfaction among four star and five-star hotels in Nairobi County. The anchoring theory of this study is Expectation Disconfirmation Theory (EDP). This study used a descriptive research design specifically cross-sectional survey with the sample size of 385 customers of the four star and five-star hotels in Nairobi County. The non-probability sampling technique specifically convenience sampling was adopted in the selection of the study sample. The study collected primary data using semi structured questionnaires. Quantitative data collected was analysed by use of descriptive statistics, Pearson R correlation was used to measure strength and the direction of the linear relationships between variables. Multiple regression models at 5% level of significance was used to establish the relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction. The study found that tangibility positively and significantly influences customer satisfaction among hotels in Nairobi County; reliability has a positive significant influence on customer satisfaction; responsiveness has positive significant influence on customer satisfaction in Nairobi County; assurance has a positive significant influence on customer satisfaction among hotels in Nairobi County; and empathy has a positive significant influence on customer satisfaction among hotels in Nairobi County. The study recommends the hotels to ensure that their facilities are visually appealing to its customers and this includes ensuring its employees are neat. Improved tangibility of services will enhance customer satisfaction and therefore their loyalty. It is also the responsibility of the management of the hotel to ensure that its employees are well conversant with the hotel and services provided so that they can help guests and respond to their requests/queries. The study findings can be used by policy makers to encourage hotel managers to enhance the service quality dimensions due to their positive impact on customer satisfaction. The study results can be used by individuals conducting other researchers and scholars to add their body of work by using similar variables with a different methodology. It provides a foundation to those who want to conduct research in a similar field. The study results can be used by hotel owners to elevate their customer satisfaction scores by enhancing their processes and practices. The study was limited by respondents’ reluctance to participate in the study due to identify and confidentiality fears. However, the researcher assured them that the information they provide was solely for academic reasons and therefore was to be kept confidential. The information was stored in the university database so that only authorised individuals can access it.
Description
A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the Degree of Masters of Business Administration at Strathmore University Business School
Keywords
Service quality, Customer satisfaction, Hotels_Nairobi County, Kenya