Strategic leadership and change management practices at national bank of Kenya limited

Abstract

Change management is a structured approach for ensuring that changes are thoroughly and smoothly implemented, and that the la sting benefits of change are achieved. To succeed in marketplace , companies need to manage change more precisely in order to realize the full value of their transformation efforts. National bank of Kenya limited implemented new technology and takes other a ctions to keep themselves competitive in their chosen markets, they ensure d that the changes they implement achieve the full scope of their technical, financial, and human objectives. The objective of this study was to establish of strategic leadership a nd change management practices at National bank of Kenya Limited. A case study research design was adopted. Data was collected using in depth interview technique and questionnaires on the available management staff and other staff who serve at National bank of Ken ya total number of eight staff. The data collected was analysed using content analysis. The study found that NBK has embraced corporate governance as toll to enhance service delivery and improve performance. NBK has a board of directors that is commi tted to ensuring that the business of the Bank is run in a professional, transparent and equitable manner so as to protect and enhance shareholder value and also satisfy the interests of other stakeholders. The study found that leadership at NBK has been a ble to exhibit leadership competencies. The study found that in 2013, NBK r e - branded as part of a new strategy to shed old under - performing image that has dogged it for years. One of the changes in the NBK structure was the creation of a Marketing & Corpor ate Communications Division. The NBK leadership also sought to create autonomy of distribution channels from businesses. The researcher also found that in response to a changing economic environment the NBK management implemented some operational changes. This involved changes in the way the customer interacted with the bank. These changes comprised of internet banking. The bank also rolled out new ATMs. The bank has now fully embraced the agency banking model. The researcher concluded that the management t eam at National bank of Kenya had adopted strategic management practices in response to a changing environment. The researcher also concluded that the strategic leadership practices enabled NBK remain sustainable at a time when the banking sector was facin g many external changes. The researcher recommends that all senior managers in the banking sector should ensure that they are skilled in handling change management as the banking sector is dynamic. The researcher also recommends that employees should be in volved in the planning and implementation of the change program; this would reduce any resistance to change. The government and policy makers should get insight from the study in formulating policies regarding regulatory requirements of the change manageme nt among banks to ensure balanced and stable economic growth. Management of strategic change is important in any organization because if not well managed, it may lead to failure of the organization to meet its strategic objectives.