Strategy Implementation Practices and Performance of Commercial Banks in Kenya: The Case of Guaranty Trust Bank Kenya Limited

Abstract

The ability of commercial banks to survive in a competitive environment hinges on their ability to execute effective strategies that enable them to achieve their performance targets. Due to the fierce competition, banking institutions have been forced to effect strategy implementation practices in order to survive and profit. Despite this development, few studies have examined strategy implementation practices on performance of commercial banks. The general objective of the study was to establish the effects of strategy implementation practices on performance of commercial banks: A case of Guaranty Trust Bank Kenya. Specific objectives were to examine the effect of top management support on performance of Kenyan commercial banks, to establish the effect of strategic communication, to assess the effect of strategic evaluation, and to analyze the effect of strategic change on performance of Kenyan commercial banks. This study was conducted using a descriptive research design. The population was 168 management level staff at Guaranty Trust Bank Kenya. Stratified random sampling approach was used in choosing the sample size. A sample of 118 respondents was obtained. Questionnaire was the tool for data collection. A pilot study was conducted to determine the validity and reliability of the research instrument. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Cross tabulations, chi-square tests and metric measures were used in the analysis. The descriptive statistical tools aided in the description of the data and the determination of the respondents' level of agreement with the different statements under every factor. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were carried out, analyzed and tabulated. The study established that top management support has a positive significant impact on performance of commercial banks in Kenya; strategic communications have a positive significant influence on performance; strategic evaluation positively and significantly influences performance and strategic change has positive influence on performance. The study therefore recommends top management in commercial banks to ensure that they support any implementation taking place in the organization. It is also important for top managers and other supervisors to ensure that they provide immediate/timely feedback. In addition, commercial banks need to conduct frequent internal audits; this will help the bank to see its progress and also the information obtained from the audit can be used to make informed decisions.