Effect of Organizational Dynamics on Strategy Implementation in the Health Sector of Marsabit County

Abstract

Strategic plan formulation in public hospitals or even in other firms is a time and resource-consuming exercise. Shelving formulated strategic plans become a cost on its own. Therefore, the translation of strategic plans into action is the most critical stage that drives an organization towards harnessing the benefits of strategy implementation. However, strategic plan implementation is not a walk in a park since the requirement is that it helps to address uncertainties about the future. Typically, the idea of implementing strategic plans hampered by several factors that derail the entire implementation process in public hospitals or other firms in general. Conversion of strategic plans in all organizations is born because of challenges that may obstruct the exercise. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing organizational dynamics in the implementation of strategic plans counties health sector, the case of Marsabit County, Kenya. The study sought to achieve the following specific objectives; to determine the effect of employee management skills, organization structure, financial resources, and organization culture on the implementation of strategic plans in public hospitals in Marsabit County. The study targeted employees in health in Marsabit County who include; public health officers, laboratory technicians, medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. A descriptive survey research design was used in the study. A sample of 180 respondents were the key respondents picked from a target population of 358 using a stratified random sampling technique. The research used a questionnaire and interview guide as the main data collection instruments. The research analyzed data using a statistical package for social science (SPSS V.25). Based on the analysis, the data was analyzed using both inferential statistics and descriptive statistics. The study findings would of great relevance to the existing body of literature about organizational dynamics that influence the implementation of strategic plans. The data obtained from the study was presented through frequency tables, histograms, pie charts, and other useful diagrams such as bar graphs. The study findings revealed that employee management skills have a significant positive effect on the implementation of Marsabit County health strategies for management skills equip employees with the capacity to maneuver around challenges in converting policies into action. On the organizational structure, it was found to have a significant positive effect on the implementation of health strategies since a good organizational structure ensures flexibility and free flow of communication and information sharing for prompt decision making. Financial resource allocation was also found to have a significant positive impact on the health strategy implementation process for the acquisition of the necessary workforce and resources pertinent to the implementation process require financial resources. Sufficient allocation of financial resources is necessary for a smooth implementation process. Lastly, organizational culture is paramount in propelling the vision and the mission of the healthcare sector. A culture that is change is oriented, employee-centered, or values every stakeholder view is central to achieving competitive advantages for the organization. Consequently, reduces resistance to change and allows smooth implementation of strategies