Employee perception of the influence of strategic planning on organization performance at the ministry of foreign affairs, Kenya

Abstract

Strategic planning has been hyped as one of modern management’s most potent tool to ensure the success of an organization. In Kenya the public sector took up strategic planning as one of the ways to boost performance given the widespread outcry of ineffective service delivery. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kenya took up strategic planning and is currently operating under the 2008-2012 strategic plan. This study sought to establish the employee’s perception on the influence of strategic planning on organizational performance in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The study used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire from a sample of 84 respondents. Secondary data was collected through review of the contents of various relevant publications and reports at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs including the Human Resource manual, performance contract booklets and other relevant materials. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including means, cross-tabulation, frequencies and percentages to allow for comparison. The study established that the Ministry of Foreign affairs had a Mission and Vision with set objectives that clearly defined responsibilities for strategic planning. It was noted that the Ministry monitored and evaluated implementation and achievement of set objectives by ensuring that they were formulated at all levels in the organization. The Ministry had been continuously improving its service delivery, to ensure quality services to its customers. Additionally, the study found that the Ministry had been delivering on its mandate effectively due to highly trained staff and was determined to attain what is expected of them. strategic planning ensured quality and timely delivery of service and that strategic planning improved employee commitment and motivation. The study recommended that for employees to embrace strategic planning set in the organization, there should a clear communication. The seniors staffs should inform employees on the strategic plan to ensure inclusivity and reduce resistance. During the implementation of the strategic planning, expertise should be involved to ensure that set strategies are in line with the organization objective. All departments in the organization should have set strategies that target a common goal. Quality services was found to be core foundation of maintain and satisfying customer thereby increasing customer satisfaction