Mediating Effect of Organization Resources on the Relationship between Strategy Implementation and Performance of Devolved Ministries among Selected Counties in Northern Kenya

Abstract

This study investigated the mediating effect of organization resources on the relationship between strategy implementation and performance of devolved ministries among selected counties in Northern Kenya. Specifically, the study sought; to determine relationship between strategy implementation and performance of devolved ministries among selected counties in Northern Kenya; to determine relationship between strategy implementation and organization resources among selected counties in Northern Kenya; to determine relationship between organization resources and performance of devolved ministries among selected counties in Northern Kenya; and to determine mediating effect of organization resources on the relationship between strategy implementation and the performance of devolved ministries among selected counties in Northern Kenya. The study was guided by three theories; the general systems theory, the stakeholders’ theory and resource-based view theory. A descriptive research design was adopted in this study. The population was the county ministries in both Isiolo and Marsabit Counties. There are a total of 56 departments in all the 10 ministries of Marsabit County, while in Isiolo County; there are a total of 32 departments in all the six ministries. Therefore, the study targeted 88 departments in both counties. A census design was adopted since the population was small. Therefore, 88 department heads were surveyed. Primary data was collected through close-ended questionnaires. Descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were used. Further, inferential statistics including correlation and regression analysis were also used to test the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Linear regression models were used to link relationship between dependent and independent variables. The study findings were presented using tables and figures. The findings indicated that strategy implementation and performance of devolved ministries related significantly. However, organisational resources did relate significantly to neither strategy implementation nor performance of devolved ministries. Therefore, the study established no mediation effect of organisational resources on the relationship between strategy implementation and performance of devolved ministries. Further observations indicate that organisational resources augmented the effect of strategy implementation on performance of devolved ministries. This was contrary to the envisaged diminishing effect of organisation resources as a mediator. The study therefore recommends that further research should consider organisational resources as a moderator rather than a mediating variable. Based on the findings, the study recommends that devolved ministries in Isiolo and Marsabit Counties need to improve their strategy implementation aspects as this was significantly related to their performance. The study provides valuable contributions in the devolved ministries and may inform policy formulation on strategy implementation in institutions.