Strategic Leadership and Strategy Implementation: the Case of KCA University

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the role of strategic leadership in the implementation of strategies at KCA University in Kenya. The Study was based on following objectives: To determine the influence of strategic direction on strategy implementation at KCA university, to establish the influence of human capital development on strategies at KCA University, and to determine the influence of organization structure on strategy implementation at KCA University. Descriptive survey design was adopted to obtain a complete and an accurate description of situations, persons and events. The study target population was 300 respondents out of which 60 respondents were drawn. The data collection instruments were a questionnaire. The study found out that respondents were young and with a possibility of a high level of attention in and knowledge around, strategic leadership and implementation of strategies at KCA university. Most of the respondents in this study had attained academic qualification above diploma education which could have translated to mean that they have extra knowledge and skills well enough to formulate strategic plans and provide leadership during strategic execution. The study agreed with Raps study that proposes critical success aspects that can help leaders overcome and improve complications during the execution process. According to Raps, commitment by the top managers is the most important condition for strategy implementation. The study concluded that the performance targets towards achievement of objectives were clearly defined by the management. The University management had not played a role in motivating their staff to work towards set objectives. Performance targets were not aligned to University objectives. KCA University has an effective organization structure in place that supports strategy implementation and that they understand their roles and responsibilities as per the organization structure. The relationship between the different departments at the University and that the communication in the University was not clear and effective. The university campus had improved its information management and communication systems. There was no annual appraisal review and reward system. Study recommends that, KCA University needs to come up with a way of staff‟s appraisal and reward system so as to have a motivated work force. The study recommends that relationship between the different departments at the University as well as the communication in the University need to be coordinated for clarity and effectiveness. The study further recommends that performance targets need to be aligned to University objective for effective strategy implementation. The implication of this study would be further similar study should be done in other private universities in Kenya to compare and contrast the findings of this study. This will assist the policy makers and regulators in the industry to make more informed decisions as far as role of leader in strategy implementation is concerned.