Strategic Decision Making at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to find out the process of decision making in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and the factors affecting strategic decision making. This is important as time has proven that strategic decision making is paramount in institutions as it has been blamed to lead to damage of property, strikes and loss of lives witnessed in the recent past. Strategic decision making has the potential to influence the performance of organization and how it relates to both its external and internal stakeholders. The study sought to answer the following research questions: What is the strategic decision making process at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology? What are the factors that influence strategic decision making in the university? The research covered three major divisions of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology; Academic, Administration and Finance. The research design used in this study was a case study, data was collected through an interview guide from the respondents on various aspects of strategic decision making at the university. The data collected was analyzed through content analysis, the results of the study indicates that majority of staff are not involved in implementation of the decisions and that the Management Board makes key decisions. The Management Board then deliberates and decides on the solutions and makes decisions which are then passed on to the low level personnel for interpretation (supervisors) and implementation by other staff and student leaders. The research recommends that the university implements methods through which members of staff will be involved in decision making. The university should also make available information required for decisions making to enable their staff make generous contributions towards it.