Factors Affecting The Succesful Implementation Of Strategic Plans In Parastatals In Malawi: The Case Of Malawi Posts Corporation

Abstract

The growing importance of successful implementation of strategic plans by public organisations cannot be underestimated. The main objective of this area of study was to assess the factors that affect successful implementation of strategic plans in parastatal organisations in Malawi. The study involved one organisation, the Malawi Posts Corporation, a parastatal involved in Postal and Financial Services. The research study adopted a descriptive survey approach. Data was collected from secondary and primary sources. Secondary data was useful for generating additional information for the study from already documented data or available reports especially from websites Secondary data was also collected for this study. Primary data was collected from a target population was 136 senior managers. A sample of 102 staff was drawn representing 75% of the target population. This was to ensure that the sample size is large enough to represent the views of the total population targeted. This sample covered Northern, Central and Southern Regional Offices because this is where these senior managers are working. The data was analyzed by use of tables, graphs and charts. The study revealed that successful implementation requires that top management must demonstrate willingness to give energy and loyalty to the implementation process and the involvement of the middle managers who are responsible to increase commitment with involvement and integration of employees from the lower level. It is important for any organisation to have a vision and mission in place and MPC has it in place. But much as the mission and vision are in place, the study revealed that MPC is very hesitant to make some strategic decisions in fear of prospective risks. The study concludes that top level management does not always facilitate employee participation in decision making. It also concludes that for implementation of strategy to be a success, management must ensure that only suitable people are given key positions. Suitable people mean those people with prerequisite skills and understanding of the set strategic goals. The study suggests that further studies be carried out on external factors like organizational environment and type of industry to give a better aspect of these factors. It also recommends that similar studies be carried out on other parastatals within the country.