Strategic Planning Practices and Organizational Performance of Sandoz Gmbh Kenya

Abstract

Strategic planning encompasses all the organizational processes of defining its strategy, choosing direction and decision making on resource allocation in order to pursue the envisaged future ideal state. With the realization of the role played by strategic plans towards the achievement of an organization’s Vision and Mission, the need for focus and alignment, the process of strategic planning remains critical in ensuring efficiency and improved performance. This study set out to assess the influence of strategic planning practices on performance of Sandoz GmbH Kenya through the adoption of a case study research design. Using an interview guide for the purposes of data collection, Primary data was obtained by interviewing the managers whose roles were closely related to the objective of the study. Data analysis was done using content analysis aimed at a systematic qualitative in-depth description of the composition of the objects of the study. The study concluded that the strategic planning practices adopted by Sandoz GmbH Kenya included objective setting, formulation of a strategic plan, participatory decision making, reward and recognition, training and development and employee participation. The adoption of these practices was observed to have a positive influence on the performance of Sandoz GmbH Kenya. The study recommends Sandoz GmbH Kenya should continue practicing formal strategic planning for enhanced effectiveness and efficiency as well as improved organizational performance. The organization should also continue to strengthen its strategic plans with the one, three and five year term plans. Emphasis should be increased on evaluation and control to ensure feedback generated goes into strengthening strategy formulation and implementation processes in driving the achievement of the set goals and objectives. In addition, the study recommends an enhancement of employee participation in the strategic planning and implementation process, more investment should be channeled into training and development with a long term view in building capabilities. Emphasis should also be laid on prudence while aligning global objectives to the local market in order to optimize opportunities, growth and performance.