Application of the Mickinsey 7smodel in strategiy implementation at the Kenya revenue authority

Abstract

Successful strategy implementation depends on doing a good job of working with and through others, building and strengthening competitive capabilities, motivating and rewarding people in a strategy supportive manner and instilling the discipline of getting things done. The study sought to establish the application of the McKinsey 7S model in the process of strategy implementation by making use of the internal resources to create a sustainable competitive environment to enable the organization to achieve its intended revenue and policy targets. The study design was a case study aimed at getting detailed information regarding the process of application of each of the seven elements of the McKinsey 7S model in strategy implementation at the Kenya Revenue Authority. Primary data was collected from six interviewees who are managers and assistant managers at KRA by use of interview guides. The completed interview guides were edited for completeness and consistency before processing the responses. Being a case study, content analysis was most useful to interpret the data. The findings of the study indicate that the McKinsey 7S model has been a useful tool for bringing the attainment of the vision of KRA. This is explained by the ability of this tool to bring consensus around the vision and therefore chart the way for successful strategy implementation. The McKinsey model has enabled KRA to harmonize its internal elements to achieve its intended targets. The elements are however applied in varying degrees at the authority to be able to complement each other. The study recommends that KRA engages in a continuous process of harmonizing its internal environment so as to be able to respond effectively to the ever dynamic tax environment in Kenya. It also recommends the empowerment of staff so that they clearly understand their individual role in the implementation process. Some of the limitations of the study include difficulty to get the full information as required due to limited amount of time for the interviews and the secrecy of interviewees