Factors That Influence Strategic Management Practices in Private Hospitals in Nairobi County

Abstract

Organizations that practice strategic management performs better compared to those that do not. Practices of Strategic management enables leaders to view things in long- term rather than daily operational challenges that in turn improve their decision-making processes and make an organization perform well. Hospitals are important in healthcare system because they not only deliver healthcare services but also influence the way services are delivered. Nairobi County has a vibrant private healthcare sector. The level of quality of healthcare in Nairobi greatly differs and hinges on the services required, the kind of health facility one is interested in and can afford. The study’s intention was to explore factors that influence strategic management practices in private hospitals in Nairobi County. It also aimed at reviewing the increasing body of theoretical and empirical studies that have endeavored to examine the range of magnitude and effects of the factors influemcing strategic management practices. Descriptive survey research design was nutilized in this study. Private hospitals in Nairobi County were the earmarked population for this study. Primary sources of data were employed mainly through the use of questionnaires, and data was collected on the firm characteristics and the factors that influence strategic management practices. The study applied descriptive statistics and factor analysis so as to establish the factors that impact on strategic management practices. The study determined that the factors that influence strategic management practices are; corporation policies and practices, management approaches to strategic management, gathering and dissemination of information, organizational leadership and general direction, firm ability to adapt to its environment, and informal organizational structures. The study concluded that the factors enumerated above influence strategic management practices. The study recommend that; the Ministry of Health can educate businessmen and businesswomen who have delved into the health sector on the factors that influence strategic management practices in order to apply strategic management best practice in their businesses hence ensuring businesses growth. The study findings can also be applied to enable the growth of Small and medium enterprises in Kenya. The study also recommend that hospital management can apply the study findings respond to these challenges encountered in strategic management by re-examining their management position and this will assist them to steer the company in the volatile health sector business in Kenya.