Strategic Management Practices of Regional Level Public Sectors in Oromia Regional State: The Case of Selected Public Sectors

Abstract

Strategic management practices in the context of public service involve a systematic approach to decide the strategic direction of public sectors and implementing plans that promote effectiveness, accountability and responsiveness to the public. The objective of this study was to assess strategic management practice of selected public sectors at regional level in public sectors of Oromia Regional State. Quantitative and Qualitative approaches were employed in this study. Descriptive research design was also employed using quantitative and qualitative data from primary and secondary sources. The Primary data were collected from managers and employees of sample sectors using interviews and questionnaires respectively. Secondary data were obtained through review of relevant documents. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as percentage and mean. Qualitative data that were obtained from key informant interview, open ended questions of the questionnaire and reviewed document were analyzed using narrative description method. The analysis was also made by using logical arguments, triangulations and comparisons. Accordingly, the results reveal that public sectors had adequate attention to internal and external analysis with minor gaps in external analysis, public sectors were also reluctant to involve stakeholders in environmental scanning, stakeholders’ involvement in strategy formulation process was not exhaustive and as per the level expected, gaps were also there in the allocation of adequate resources and capacity building, poor reward system and employee turnover were also among the challenges in strategy management practices in the public sectors. In general, although the effort made to successfully implement the strategy management process is commendable, public sectors are expected to work more in their strategic management practice in a way they will be effective in achieving their strategic goals. As a result, it is recommended the involvement of stakeholders in strategic management process, capacity building of employees, adequate resource allocation, and revision of reward system as well as strengthening monitoring and evaluation system of public sectors.