Strategic Change Management and Performance of Agricultural Development Corporation, Kenya

Abstract

The study was conducted with the general objective of examining the effect of strategic change management on performance with a particular focus on Agricultural Development Corporation. The specific objectives included to examine the effect of technological innovations on performance; to determine the effect of strategic alliances on performance; to assess the effect of corporate culture on performance; and to establish the effect of management support on performance. The study was guided by the Kotter’s change management theory, and the balanced scorecard model. Empirical studies touching on technological innovations, strategic alliances, corporate culture, management support, and performance have been reviewed. After summarizing and critiquing the reviewed studies, respective research gaps were identified. An explanatory research design was used in this research study. A census design was employed to obtain the participants of the study. Quantitative methods and deductive approach also guided the study. All the 51 management staff working with Agricultural Development Corporation constituted target and study populations. A research questionnaire was used to collect data. The questionnaire was pilot tested with the aim of assessing its validity and reliability. Data collection was conducted physically and through emails. The collected data were analyzed with the assistance of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Descriptive statistics as well as inferential statistics were used in data analysis. Before undertaking inferential statistical analysis, relevant diagnostic tests were conducted. The results of the analysis were in the form of graphs and tables. It was revealed that technological innovations, corporate culture, and management support had statistically significant effect on the performance of ADC. However, strategic alliances did not significantly affect the performance of the stated corporation. Consequently, it was concluded that management support followed by technological innovations and corporate culture were important tenets of strategic change management with regard to the performance of ADC. In order to enhance its performance, it is recommended that the corporation should consider integrating various innovative technologies. The top management should formulate sound policies that can guide the training and development of the corporation’s employees. They should also come up with a strategy framework for the mentorship programs, technical support as well as remuneration of employees. It is advisable for the corporation to integrate a culture that can enhance its performance. The management staff of ADC should ensure that they are updated with regard to the technological innovations already in place in their organization. The departmental managers are advised to organize and facilitate regular training and development programmes for all cadres of staff as well as hold regular and sustainable mentorship programs for the entity’s supervisory and general staff.