dc.description.abstract | The purpose of this study was to establish the current strategic issue management practices in
the insurance companies in Kenya and factor influencing these practices. In order to meet
these objectives, information was sought through the use of a questionnaire. The data
collected was analysed using frequency tables, percentages, and other statistical measures.
The study established that most companies (96.7%) under the study had flexible plans to
accommodate environmental impact/changes on their businesses as apposed to a few (3.3%)
that did not. Changes in interest rates had the most profound impact on the companies under
the study, followed by insecurity, increased competition, government policy and
infrastructure in that order.
The study also established that though majority of Kenyan firms (more than 95%) practiced
real time Strategic Issue Management, none demonstrated the use of European matrix as
prescribed by Ansoff (1990) and that only 20% of the respondents alluded to the availability
of an issue management department in their organization while 80% did not have.
The findings from the analyses led to three major conclusions; first, Companies need to
continuously monitor strategic issues throughout the year in order to be able to realize the full
potential of investing in SIM. The European matrix, method may help companies discover
real time positive synergy; therefore it should not be ignored. Lastly, companies need a
separate but highly networked department to specifically deal with strategic issues. | en |