CHANGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ADOPTION OF ELECTRIC AUTOMOBILES IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
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Abstract
The adoption of electric automobiles marks the significant step made by Kenya towards sustainable transport. Electric vehicles will help decrease reliance on fossil fuel and enhance air quality in cities. However, in spite of the increasing interest in electric vehicles, their adoption has been very slow particularly in Nairobi City County where problems connected to traffic jams and air contamination arise. High price of vehicles, unavailability of supportive infrastructure, low level of technology expertise and reluctance to adopt new technologies are some of the hindrances. Despite the mentioned influences, not much research concerning the role of change management practices in electric vehicle adoption has been conducted. Consequently, the purpose of the paper was to analyze the role of change management practices in electric vehicle adoption in Nairobi City County in Kenya. Specifically, the following factors influencing the electric vehicle adoption were analyzed: communication strategies, technological training, resistance management, and strategic partnerships. The research was based on Diffusion of Innovations Theory, Technology Acceptance Model, Lewin Change Management Model, and Stakeholder Theory. Descriptive-explanatory research design was used and the target group of the research was 2250 people. In conducting the study, stratified random sampling was used, and the sample consisted of 411 participants. Primary data were obtained through semi-structured questionnaires and subjected to descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS Version 26. It was determined that communication strategies, technology training, resistance management, and strategic partnerships had significant positive impacts on electric vehicle adoption. It was found that communication strategies were the most important factor impacting the process of adoption, followed by technology training, partnerships, and resistance management. It was established that enhancing good communication, technology training, resistance management, and strategic partnerships was necessary to increase the level of electric vehicle adoption in Nairobi City County. Moreover, it was recommended that integrated communication systems be developed, continuous technology training should be institutionalized, strategic partnerships be established, and methods of eliminating resistance and involving citizens should be improved.
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References
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