Implementation of corporate restructuring at the independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission in Kenya

Abstract

Restructuring is a deliberate transformative exercise whose prime aim is enhancing the performance of the organization by reconstituting its structures. It entails among other things downsizing, outsourcing, and mergers. In essence it can target both the physical and philosophical orientation of the organization. This study targeted IEBC, the electoral management body of Kenya. The latter is currently undertaking an elaborate restructuring exercise. The study objective was to establish the extent to which the exercise has evolved and secondly to determine the challenges that have been encountered in the restructuring process at the IEBC. The research was undertaken on a case study design, the target being the restructuring implementation at the IEBC. Data was generated using structured personal interview with some of the commissioners, Directors and top departmental managers. The finding of the study established that only part of the targeted restructuring has been done; it also established that of those sectors already restructured there still exist operational flaws. It also established that the exercise is ongoing and may well meet the envisaged outcome by 2017 timeline. The study also established that there are challenges, both in the macro and micro environments and all are consistent with the sort of challenges one would expect in restructuring exercises. However the study established the organization is managing the challenges and the process is ongoing. The outcome of this study adds to the general body of knowledge on organizational restructuring and also offers a reference point for management practitioners and policy formulators. The study recommends that another research on the same area be carried out at the expiry of the proposed timeline – 2017, to establish if the restructuring was successfully implemented.