Strategic Change Management Practices and Performance of the Kenya Police Service

Abstract

In an ever-changing and unpredictable environment, where competition is dynamic and complex, an organization must change. This change must be strategic, carefully planned and implemented so as to lead to a desirable positive change and not destructive negative change. Change must be carefully implemented so as not to cause disruption, it must be systematic. Effective Strategic Change Management and performance depends on competent personnel, effective internal organization systems. Failure to adopt change in an appropriate and timely way results in organizational failure. Success of embracing change is enormously dependent on the people involved and the nature of the organization. The Police worldwide are entrusted with the security of their citizens. They are sluggish centralized bureaucracies that concentrate on the rules, regulations and loyalty to their hierarchical chain of command causing dissatisfaction to the beneficiaries of their services. The main objective of this study was to determine how Strategic Change Management practices influence performance of Kenya Police Service. The study adopted a case study design to address the objective of the case study where primary data was collected using interview guides administered to the research sample. The interview guide was structured into two components that is; general information and specific objective of the study. A content analysis and descriptive analysis was employed. The information developed from the research data was then presented in prose. 6 out of the 8 respondents were interviewed making a response rate of 75%. The study concluded that there are strategic plans which includes 2008-2012, 2013-2018 and 2015-2019 which advocated different aspects to be achieved within a stipulated period. Top management offers adequate support on strategic change management practices while information systems are put in place to monitor strategic management practices. Planning, involvement of all staff, stakeholder participation, and effective communication are some of the approaches that are employed in countering challenges facing strategic change management practices implementation. Use of modern equipment and systems, training, performance contracting, staff welfare, better remunerations and medical scheme are some of the approaches that help the institution to perform better. The Kenya Police has opted for steps based change management practices because of the organizational complexities, sensitivities and risks of failure. Organization should consider various areas when formulating strategy which are critical in identifying the responses of a firm to its environmental challenges. Change management practices implemented by organizations should be focused on achieving objectives key of which is the needs of their customers who are the most crucial part of the firm’s environment.