Application of key success factors as a basis of change management by Uchumi supermarkets ltd in Kenya

Abstract

The study was based on Uchumi Supermarkets Limited, in Kenya. It sought to explore the extent to which Key Success Factors (KSFs) have been adopted and applied by Uchumi Supermarkets Ltd in its change management practice, with a focus on its turnaround and growth process. The study also involved a look at key challenges encountered by the supermarket in its application of KSFs in its change management programs. The study adopted a case study research approach. The study population consisted of the senior management cadre. A purposefully selected sample of four senior managers that included the Company’s Group C.E.O., Finance Manager, Marketing and Corporate Sales Manager and the Human Resources Manager was picked for the study. Primary data were then collected through personal interview using interview guide and analysed using content analysis. The study findings revealed that Uchumi supermarkets adopted and applied KSFs as important elements in formulation and implementation of their change management strategy and programs. The study found that change strategies and programs were crafted in such a manner that the appropriate KSFs were incorporated into the change process to aid success of the change programs. Application of KSFs as basis of change management was found to be critical since KSFs were important components of strategic planning and a means for the organization to focus and validate important activities, initiatives and projects. The study established that the company relied on both the industry and organizational KSFs to build and nurture key competences over time in its turnaround and growth process. In addition, the study revealed that application of KSFs in change programs also had inherent challenges. To surmount those challenges, the firm required to have the capacity and competences in the adopted key success factors. In lieu of such competencies, the company needed to build such capacity and competencies in the process of implementing the desired change.