Assessing impact of leadership on strategy implementation in the real estate sector: the case of first mutual properties limited

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to investigate the impact of leadership on strategy implementation particularly focusing on First Mutual Properties Limited (FMPL). Focus of the study was premised on determining the impact of setting long term direction on strategy implementation. The study also ascertained the influence of making informed decisions on strategy implementation. The impact of monitoring activities at FMPL was assessed as well. The study investigated the barriers to effective strategy implementation at FMPL and recommended best ways through which leaders may positively implement organizational strategies. The study used a mixed method approach in which both interviews and questionnaires were utilized. For the interviews, the responses were discussed under thematic framework whilst for the questionnaire regression analysis was done. Five (5) participants were interviewed and these included from lower level management, middle level management and top-level management. A total sample of 66 participants was targeted, however, 61 responded to the interview questions representing a 92.4% response rate. The data from the questionnaire was analyzed through ANOVA and linear regression. The results showed that leadership (as proxied by long term direction, making informed decisions and monitoring activities) has a positive effect on strategy implementation. The study also analyzed some of the barriers which affect strategy implementation and these include internal and external barriers and also into people barrier, vision barrier, management barrier and resources barrier. In line with the results obtained, the study recommends that leaders should present more and new ways of solving the problems faced during the implementation of the strategy, assign tasks among workers in accordance with their competences and abilities and separately consider the worker's individual needs and aspirations. Leaders should also make clear of what workers are going to get once the task is done successfully as a sort of motivation and they should also behave in a way that builds trust and respect between workers