Assessment of Factors Influencing Implementation of Balance Score Card for Kenya Wildlife Conservancies. Selected Mountain Conservation Area Stations

Abstract

The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) tries to translate a company’s strategic direction and objectives into actionable initiatives and measurements. The study identified four research questions; whether resource allocation, managerial skills, employee involvement and employee skills are factors which influence implementation of BSC. In KWS the balance scorecard was incorporated in Strategic Plan 2005-2010 to improve on performance and more so to assist in its implementation. The background of the study highlighted the evolution of BSC and how it has been used in organisations and in KWS. The statement of the problem focuses on evidence and statistics showing how implementation of BSC in KWS has been ‘snailing’ and how it has influenced performance in the organisation. Literature review of the implementation of BSC was completed in relation to variables; resources, managerial skills, employee involvement and education skills. The research methodology covered research design, target population, sample design and procedures, the research instruments and administration, data collection, presentation and analysis. A thorough scrutiny of data to ensure the validity and reliability of data collected. Inferential statistics was used for further analysis. The researcher used questionnaires in collection of data. The research found that 66 percent of the respondents agreed that availability of resources influences BSC implementation , 66 percent of them agreed that managerial skills affect BSC implementation, on education achievements 76 percent of the respondents said it affect BSC implementation and 58 percent agreed that employee involvement is important in implementation of BSC. Research recommendations were involvement of employees in decision making, incorporating trainings and setting aside resources for future Balanced Scorecard implementation in KWS in order to overcome the potential barriers and to ensure its beneficial use. The areas to be included for further research are factors impacting on implementation of BSC in an organization from the ordinary staff perspective, to establish whether BSC management tool has been overtaken by event in an organization performance and other factors other than those investigated should further be researched. The recommendations can be used in helping organizations not just KWS but also in other Government organisations. By using this study different organization using BSC initiatives can beef up employees and organizational productivity and profitability.