Challenges of Strategy Implementation at the Ministry of Co-opearative Development and Marketing

Abstract

Organizations implement a variety of strategies in order to fulfill their objectives. Though this is their target it is not often the case as some organizations with good strategies end up implementing them poorly. This prompted the Government of Kenya to introduce public sector reforms that has resulted in all Government Agencies developing strategic plans.

The Ministry of Co-operative Development and Marketing is no exception and this prompted the researcher to carry out a study that answered the following research questions: What are the practices of strategy implementation at the MOCD&M? What are the major factors hindering strategy implementation at MOCD&M? How MOCD&M is responding to these challenges?

The objectives of the study were: To identify and document the strategy implementation practices at MOCD&M; to identify challenges faced in strategy implementation at MOCD&M; to identify how the Ministry was responding to the challenges involved in strategy implementation The study reviewed literature on strategic management in organizations; strategy implementation process; factors influencing strategy implementation in organizations; challenges of strategy implementation in organizations; and organizational responses to challenges of strategy implementation.

A case study research design was used to conduct the study and an interview guide administered to the heads of departments. The study findings revealed that the organizational culture, Human resource policy, financial resources policies and procedures, information and operating systems and performance incentives were all an impediment to strategy implementation.

The MOCD&M response to these challenges has been minimal and therefore the researcher recommends involvement of all relevant stakeholders in strategy implementation; sourcing for funds from other sources to supplement Ministry of Finance; budgeting in order of priority; establish a Ministerial taskforce to harmonize departmental policies and procedures; revise the human resource policy to make it more responsive; introduce rewards and recognition policy for excellent performers; develop a communication policy; and put in a monitoring and evaluation policy.