Background of the Study
Sterling Bank has recognized that in today’s competitive financial environment, customer retention is as critical as customer acquisition. To this end, the bank has invested in integrating its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system with various digital channels and legacy data sources to provide a unified view of customer interactions. This integration facilitates real‐time tracking of customer behavior, enabling personalized service delivery and proactive engagement strategies (Okafor, 2023). By consolidating data from online banking, mobile apps, branch interactions, and call centers, the bank can identify trends and tailor financial solutions to individual needs. The integrated CRM system supports a 360-degree view of customers that helps in segmenting the client base, predicting churn, and designing targeted retention programs. Furthermore, advanced analytics are used to monitor customer satisfaction and respond swiftly to potential issues, thereby reducing attrition and boosting loyalty (Adeniyi, 2024). Such integration not only streamlines operational processes but also enhances decision-making by providing actionable insights to marketing and customer service teams. Despite these advantages, achieving a seamless integration of disparate data systems remains challenging, particularly when balancing legacy systems with new digital solutions. Sterling Bank’s initiative reflects a broader industry trend where banks are leveraging CRM integration as a strategic tool to build long-term customer relationships and drive sustainable growth (Chinwe, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Although Sterling Bank has integrated its CRM system to enhance customer retention, inconsistencies in data flow and occasional system lags have limited its effectiveness. Some branches continue to operate on isolated legacy systems, resulting in fragmented customer profiles and delayed responses. Customers report occasional mismatches between online and in-branch service experiences, suggesting that full integration has yet to be achieved. Moreover, challenges such as data silos, inadequate staff training on the new integrated system, and varying levels of system adoption across regions have contributed to uneven service quality. As a result, the anticipated boost in customer retention has not materialized uniformly, leading to potential revenue leakage and reduced competitive advantage. This study, therefore, seeks to identify the technical and operational challenges hindering seamless CRM integration at Sterling Bank and to propose targeted strategies to optimize data flow, improve responsiveness, and ultimately increase customer loyalty (Ibrahim, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
To assess the impact of CRM system integration on customer retention at Sterling Bank.
To identify key challenges affecting CRM data integration and usage.
To propose strategies for enhancing the integrated CRM framework to improve customer loyalty.
Research Questions
How does CRM system integration influence customer retention at Sterling Bank?
What technical and operational challenges hinder effective CRM integration?
What measures can optimize CRM integration to boost customer loyalty?
Research Hypotheses
H₀: CRM system integration does not significantly improve customer retention at Sterling Bank.
H₁: CRM system integration significantly enhances customer retention at Sterling Bank.
H₀: Operational challenges do not impact the effectiveness of CRM integration.
H₁: Operational challenges significantly hinder the effectiveness of CRM integration.
H₀: Additional optimization strategies will not enhance customer loyalty.
H₁: Additional optimization strategies will significantly improve customer loyalty.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on Sterling Bank’s CRM integration across its digital and physical channels. Data sources include internal CRM analytics, customer surveys, and interviews with branch managers. Limitations include disparities in system adoption across regions and potential resistance to new technologies.
Definitions of Terms
• CRM System Integration: The process of merging various customer data sources into a unified platform.
• Customer Retention: The ability of a bank to keep its existing customers over time.
• Data Silos: Isolated data sets that do not communicate with each other.
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