Effect of Strategic Agility on the Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya

Abstract

This study tested the effect of strategic agility on the performance of commercial banks in Kenya. A census research design was employed in the study. The study targeted all the 43 accredited commercial banks in Kenya, based on the Annual Bank Supervision Report, CBK (2017). Primary data was relied on in this study. The primary data was collected from the respondents using semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to evaluate the data. The study established that there is a high degree of centralization, layering and formality in the commercial banks in Kenya. Further, it revealed that Organization Dimension Factors of strategic agility have substantial influence on the performance of the banks. Significant impact was also established between the People Dimension Factors, the Technology Dimension Factors and the Planning Dimension Factors of strategic agility and the performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The study further established that there was a high rate of employee involvement in design and planning and the banks engaged in continuous employee education and training. The studies indicated that an upsurge in technology use led to an upsurge in performance of the banks. The study revealed that there is a high intensity for research and development of new products and a high speed of innovation orientation in the banks. The study endorses that commercial banks in Kenya sustain focus on their Organization, People and Technology Dimension Factors of strategic agility and step up momentum on the Planning Dimension Factors that were least rated. This study recommends another study to be carried out to establish the influence of strategic agility on performance of other organizations in industries other than the Banking industry.