Strategic Leadership and Performance of University Alumni Associations in Kenya

Abstract

The study’s aim was to determine how strategic leadership affects performance of University Alumni Associations in Kenya. The study data was collected among 90 managers of University Alumni Associations in Kenya. The study managed to achieve a 92.2% response rate since 83 responses were achieved. From the data gathered, it was evident that University Alumni Associations in Kenya include different members such as the secretariat (executive directors, administrators, accountants and marketing officers), members of the executive committees (chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, deputy secretary, treasurer, and organizing secretaries) as well as the general staff and regular members of the organizations who are students and former students of the University. The study established that 52% of the members of the University Alumni Associations in Kenya are males while 48% are females. The study also found out that the University Alumni Associations in Kenya have adopted strategic leadership practices to improve performance in terms of achievement of the set goals and objectives, promotion of teamwork and collaboration, as well as the adoption of ethical, moral and supportive leadership, and strategic thinking practices. The study noted that adoption of teamwork and collaboration strategies, setting long-term and short-term goals as well as strategic goals and objectives are part of strategic practices adopted by the University Alumni Associations in Kenya. The University Alumni Associations in Kenya have vision and mission statements that guide their operations and activities. It was also evident that the University Alumni Associations in Kenya management have adopted strategic thinking plans, ethical, moral and supportive leadership plans to promote transparency, fair and ethical or moral activities among their members. The study determined that there exists a positive association between leadership strategies and achievement of the alumni association performance. This is because the adoption of strategic management practices led to goals and objectives setting, vision and mission of the firms. Adoption of the strategic leadership strategies also led to new learning and growth of the association members. This study recommends the need for adoption of strategic leadership to help promote performance and efficiency in terms of operations of the University Alumni Associations in Kenya. It is expected that this will lead to smooth running of the alumni associations, fair practices as well as innovation and flexibility in their programs.