| dc.description.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 | en |
