The Impact of Organization Strategy on Facilities Management: A Case study of Postal corporation of Kenya.

Abstract

The main drive of most if not all organizations or companies is to ensure viable comparative advantage among its competitors besides being considered effective amid the various demands and needs of the shareholders and that of the staff. Strategic planning has gained more relevance in most organizations today as a result of the influence it has had on the organization’s economic growth as well as success of both the organization and the staff. Strategic Management in an organization, fully depends on the strategic planning which acts as its pillar as the process is key in the conduct of strategic management. Wagner (2006), views strategic planning in an organization as a very significant process because it links strategic planning and goals to budgets, provides strategic formulation and scans the environment for the success of the organization. The aim of this study was to establish the impact of organization’s strategy on Facilities Management with a case study of Postal Corporation of Kenya, (PCK). The objectives of the study were to establish the extent at which Facilities Management function has been incorporated in the Strategic Plan of PCK, to establish the extent of the level of implementation of the Corporate Strategic policies and action plans on Facilities Management for PCK and to evaluate the impact of strategic planning on the role of Facilities Management and its contribution to the general performance of PCK. It was established that the strategic plan of PCK revolved around customers’ service, revenue generation, enhanced human resource capitals and extension of service to a wider base. The study further established that the role of the Facilities Management Department was in line with the implementation of the Corporation’s Strategic Plan at PCK and that the Facilities Management Department had contributed towards attaining the goals of the Corporation’s Strategic Plan. The main Facilities Management objectives were also in line with the Corporate Strategic Plan and this had support of the respondents who, unanimously considered that Facilities Management contributed towards attainment of the goals of the Corporate Strategic Plan. From the study, the following recommendations were made: First and foremost, PCK Facilities Management department require allocation of more resources to facilitate its activities. The recruitment process during employment of staff need to be made competitive in order to employ competent and qualified staff equipped with all the relevant skills and knowledge required in executing the functions of the department. Constant training will help equip staff with the current skills and techniques hence improving work relationships and performance. Further, staff in the department need to be empowered with decision making and reporting mechanism channels. In terms of technology, there is need for the department to automate its systems and adapt modern advanced technology and soft wares for ease of service delivery. Lastly, staff control, supervision and motivation were key recommendations made towards the success of the Corporation. On the issue of PCK tenants and customers, the study recommended for improved cleanliness, routine repair and maintenance as well as installation of firefighting equipment and mechanisms in all the PCK buildings. Further, the rents charged for all the leased spaces need to be revised to prevailing market rates. Health, safety and security measures need to be enhanced in all the PCK buildings. Tenants and customers were to be enticement through discounts, gift vouchers, advertisement and promotions of PCK products and services geared towards boosting the revenue income of the Corporation. Automation of PCK systems and services was also to be considered for the overall success of the business. Finally, it was recommended that customers be sensitized on PCK products and services as a way of promoting sales and increasing revenue