Evaluating Management of Strategic Change at Kenya Revenue Authority

Abstract

There has been an acceleration of the magnitude and pace of change across the globe in the last decade. These changes, whether political, economic, social and technological are necessary for companies to remain competitive. The approach which Kenyan companies use to initiate and implement strategic changes is not clear. Evaluating management of strategic change is an important process to stimulate effective management of organizations. Kenya Revenue Authority has over the years undertaken many strategic changes in response to the changes in its environment. As such this study sought to evaluate the management of strategic change in Kenya Revenue Authority. The research adopted a case study research design. Qualitative data was collected from Kenya Revenue Authority managers and supervisors through an interview guide. Content analysis technique was used to analyze data. The study established that need for efficiency and effectiveness in delivering services are the major forces of change at Kenya Revenue Authority. Technological change necessitated change at the organization in order to face out low automation levels and equipment obsolescence. The study found that strategic changes at Kenya Revenue Authority are planned and not emergent. In-depth interview revealed that that there is a clear line of sight to a future desired state. It was established that behavioral resistance (caused by employees, managers and stakeholders), staff resistance, resistance of reducing financial resources and resistance of organizational culture brought resistance of management strategic change at Kenya Revenue Authority to a great extent. The study established that strategic planning gives explicit recognition to the organizations outside environment and places an emphasis on the organization’s strategic advantage in meeting the contingencies in the environment. Kenya Revenue Authority is taking a step change in a proactive manner in recognition of the need for pre-emptive change given potential threats that may arise in the future, or in a reactive manner in response to an immediate need, such as a direct competitive threat, technological change, change in legislation or financial needs.