A Survey of the Application of Kottler's Model of Strategic Change Leadership in the Insurance Industry in Kenya

Abstract

This study sort to determine the application of Kotter's model of strategic change leadership in Kenya's Insurance Industry. The researcher felt that this eight-step framework of Kotter would offer a more comprehensive analysis in the area of strategic leadership in the insurance sector in Kenya. The rationale of the study arose out of the dynamic nature of the insurance industry, which is changing rapidly to accommodate changes in the external environment. Primary data was collected using open ended, closed ended and matrix type of questions for a census study of forty-two insurance companies. Data was therefore analyzed using descriptive statistics through the use of mean scores, percentages and frequencies. The analysis revealed that the insurance companies that were studied use all aspects of Kotter's model in varying degrees. In managing organizational change, a critical aspect according to Kotter(1996) is the leadership of organizations. He notes that the challenge today is that change is not an 'engineering' problem. It involves people and can call up emotions, uncertainties and inconsistencies. Therefore simply managing change is insufficient. Successful change requires leadership.