Relationship between Savings Strategy and Wealth Maximization in Saving and Credit Cooperative Societies in Meru County, Kenya
Abstract
SACCOs are experiencing wealth maximization challenges which can be attributed to their savings strategy. This paper investigated the influence of savings strategy on wealth maximization of saving and credit cooperatives societies in Meru County, Kenya. The study was guided by dynamic capabilities theory and adopted descriptive research design in collecting data from 11 deposit taking SACCOs in Meru County. The target respondents were 168 loan officers, 17 IT systems administrator and 20 managers from all the SACCOs. A sample size of 155 was obtained proportionally from a total target population of 205 respondents. The study adopted stratified sampling method which ensured proper representation of the different study respondents. Primary data was gathered using structured questionnaires. SPSS version 24.0 was used to analyze collected data where mean and standard deviation were computed, and correlation analysis and regression analysis were also used. The correlation results indicated statistical evidence that savings strategy has a positive and significant relationship with wealth maximization in SACCOs in Meru County (r =.710**, and P = .000). Regression results also revealed that savings strategy explain 50.4% of the variations in the wealth maximization in SACCOs in Meru County. This is supported by R squared of 0.504. It was concluded that savings strategy has a positive and significant influence on wealth maximization in Saccos in Meru County, Kenya. The descriptive results provided essential aspects of savings strategy that are important in enhancing wealth maximization. These are: attraction of new members, interest rates on deposits, use of lotteries, continued savings arrangements as well as products that can easily be converted into cash. These elements are likely to increase savings among the Saccos in Meru County. The paper recommends the need for SACCOs in Meru County to develop strategies for attracting new members such as launching new products. Further, SACCOs should make interest rates on deposits attractive to members and this will increase membership, which will translate into more contributions and savings. The findings of this paper will make significant contributions to practice, policies and trends. In terms of practice, SACCOs will be able to implement the recommendations. For policies, the government through the Ministry of trade and industrialization will be able to formulate policies that are relevant and in line with the emerging trends in the financial sector.
Keywords: Savings strategy, wealth maximization, Saving and Credit Cooperatives Societies, trade union.
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