Integrating Corporate Security in Strategic Management of Five-star Hotels in Nairobi Kenya

Abstract

Corporate security is defined as the in-house provision of security for an organization; it refers to the practice of protecting business’s employees, physical property and information systems. Corporate security identifies and mitigates or manages at early stages, any development that may threaten the resilience and continued survival of a corporation. Five star hotels in Nairobi Kenya are distinguished for their class, elegance, ambiance and quality services and they operate in high competition. They are located within the capital city of Kenya which like all major cities of the world has diverse security challenges. The field of security is diverse and further research is needed to ascertain the levels of involvement and the actual threats to the businesses if the threats are not arrested at the right time. The purpose of this study was to explore the corporate security challenges and the extent to which the corporate security is integrated in the strategic management process of five star hotels in Nairobi Kenya. The research was descriptive and used structured questionnaires to gather data from 15 five star hotels in Nairobi. It was established that though the corporate security manager was a member of the executive committee he was largely ignored in decision making process and the corporate security was largely not included as an independent department in budget allocation. The hotels major challenge was on security trainings and very very very important person (VVVIP) visits which were also favored by the management involvement. Though theft by employees was a top challenge the management seemed not keen on the same due to its insignificant impact. The study found out that more input is needed to bring the corporate security at per with other departments on budget and R&D and involvement on decisions making. The policy makers need to start including the security managers perspectives into action to avoid the changes in the strategic calendars for lack consultation/involvement. For business continuity as the security manager is the leader of the risk management it is advisable they be involved in all issues regarding the establishment so that they can have a better and a more informed judgment when advising on the best action.