Application of managing for results by reaching agents of change project among selected countries in sub-Sahara Africa

Abstract

Managing for Results (MFR) is a management approach that has been revered by management scholars and organizations globally. Driven by the desire for impact and change in the society, international, regional, local organizations and governments are struggling to understand and adopt MFR approach in their everyday management with an array of challenges experienced in the implementation process. The challenge with adopting MFR is in its diversion from the process-driven and resource-centric approaches that most institutions and governments have been using. Adopting and successfully implementing MFR plays a guiding role that keeps the players reminded on the ‘why’ various activities are implemented, and goes a step further to outline desired outcomes if the proposed activities are implemented as proposed. This research study brings out the role played by MFR in performance of a project or program being undertaken and suitability of the MFR approach to organizations and/ or governments. The research is a case study of the Reaching Agents of Change (RAC) project, a regional project implemented in Tanzania, Nigeria and Mozambique. This was a case study. The researcher used interview guides to collect primary data and information from the respondents. This data/ information were analyzed qualitatively to draw conclusions and formed the basis for the recommendations. The study focused on project staff understanding of MFR and the tools used in MFR, it also sought to understand if they would recommend the approach for regionally dispersed and multi-disciplinary projects, and other projects/ programs and finally to establish the key challenges they faced. We conclude that it is critical to take all staff through MFR training at the beginning of any project or program, and all staff joining along the way should be taken through MFR training to bring them up to speed with the results-delivery framework. This management approach can turn around the face of developing nations and impact can be seen within short periods. This approach best connects research and technology with development interventions.