Determinants of Strategy Implementation in Agricultural Development Corporation

Abstract

Current research indicates that the success rate in implementing strategies by
organizations stands between 10% and 30%. While strategy formulation is paramount
and widely researched, little research has been done on strategy implementation hence
the need to carry out more research work in this area in order to build more knowledge.
This study, therefore, concentrated on determinants of strategy implementation in the
Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC). A descriptive research design was used in
the study, with a population of 340 employees of ADC. These comprised of 14 senior
managers, 90 middle level managers and 236 low level employees. Stratified sampling
was conducted and a 20% sample resulting to 68 respondents was drawn. The study used
a questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions to collect primary data. Secondary
data were collected from the ADC strategic plan: 2015-2019, consolidated annual
reports & financial statements: 2012-15, strategic plan review report of 2013 and
progress reports which describe strategy implementation process in the corporation. The
researcher checked the completed questionnaires for completeness and consistency of
information. The quantitative data were coded and analyzed using SPSS (statistics
Package for Social Sciences) and presented using tables, charts, and graphs with
respective interpretation. Qualitative data were grouped into common themes based on
the research variables. The research found that strategic communication supported
strategy implementation at the Agricultural Development Corporation. The evaluation of
effect of strategic capability in the corporation established that the variable supported
strategy implementation in the corporation. Similarly the study found that strategic
flexibility supported strategy implementation at Agricultural Development Corporation.
The study found a strong positive relationship between strategy implementation and
communication process and organizational capability. A weak positive relationship was
established between strategy implementation and strategic flexibility. The study therefore,
recommended that other state corporations implementing their strategic plans need to
give attention to strategic communication, organizational capability and strategic
flexibility.