Abstract

Environmental scanning enables organizations to monitor and interpret internal and external environmental changes to support strategic decision-making and enhance service delivery. Operational effectiveness translates strategic decisions into improved service delivery through efficient resource utilization, continuous process improvement, innovation, and high-quality healthcare services. Despite evidence linking environmental scanning, operational performance, and service delivery, limited empirical research has examined the mediating role of operational effectiveness in private healthcare settings in Kenya. This study determined the mediating role of operational effectiveness in the relationship between environmental scanning and service delivery among selected private hospitals in Kisumu County, Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 449 respondents selected through consecutive sampling from two private hospitals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 30. Descriptive statistics, simple linear regression, multiple regression, and Hayes PROCESS Macro mediation analysis with 5,000 bootstrap samples were performed. Respondents reported high levels of environmental scanning (mean = 4.09, SD = 0.72), operational effectiveness (mean = 4.17, SD = 0.64), and service delivery (mean = 4.26, SD = 0.62). Environmental scanning significantly predicted service delivery (β = 0.548, p < 0.001) and operational effectiveness (β = 0.72, p < 0.001), while operational effectiveness significantly predicted service delivery (β = 0.61, p < 0.001). The indirect effect of environmental scanning on service delivery through operational effectiveness was significant (β = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.35-0.53), confirming partial mediation. In conclusion, operational effectiveness significantly and partially mediates the relationship between environmental scanning and service delivery among private hospitals.

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