Factors influencing successful implementation of Strategic Plan in Religious Institutions: A case of All Saints’ Cathedral Church Nairobi

Abstract

Despite all the efforts that All Saints Cathedral Church puts in the strategic planning process, implementation of the strategy has remained a challenge. The study sought to assess factors influencing successful implementation of strategic plans in religious institutions with a specific focus on All Saints’ Cathedral Church Nairobi. The four objectives guiding the study were: to examine the impact of organization’s resources on the implementation of strategy, to evaluate the influence of leadership styles, to examine the impact of communication and to assess the organizational culture influence on successful implementation of strategic plans. Correlational research design was employed, and the target population comprised of 100 employees of All Saints Cathedral Church as well as Parish Church Council (PCC) members. A sample of 50 employees and PCC members was selected using the stratified random sampling technique. Primary data was gathered by the use of questionnaires containing both open and close ended questions. The qualitative data was analysed through content analysis, whereas the quantitative data was statistically analysed. Frequencies and percentages were used for descriptive analysis while the Pearson correlation method was used for inferential analysis and results were presented in tables and figures. The research findings indicate that organization’s resources, leadership styles, communication channels, and organizational culture have a significant influence on successful implementation of strategic plans in religious institutions. The study recommends that All Saints Cathedral Church should invest in human resource for effective successful implementation of strategic plans by continuously developing its employees through training. Additionally, employees should be fully involved and be incorporated in activities of strategy execution to encourage commitment, accountability and ownership.