Strategic Leadership Teams,board Diversity and Performance of Kenya Association of Manufacturers

Abstract

Understanding the relationship between individuals at the helm of organizations and performance of firms has been a key research area for decades. This study aimed at establishing the impact of strategic leadership teams and board diversity on performance of manufacturing companies in Kenya. A case study of Kenya Association of Manufacturers, an umbrella advocacy organization representing the interests of all manufacturers in Kenya, was used. Respondents who were interviewed were senior executives tasked with the overall responsibility of overseeing and executing strategy. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The results of this study have key implications to executive teams in firms as well as other stakeholders. This study adds to the body of knowledge brought forward by Hambrick and Mason (1984) who opined that the background, experiences, diversity and personalities of top executive teams and boards greatly impacts on strategic choices and firm performance. Further studies need to be undertaken on the impact of top leadership teams and diverse boards on the performance of companies in Kenya.