Abstract: The execution of an institution’s strategic plan ensures that there is institutional success, which is the achievement of institutional vision and mandate. The study sought to interrogate the various factors that influence the successful attainment of the vision. Heathfield (2015) identifies a number of challenges that might militate against the achievement of institutional objectives, but this paper argues that although there could be those challenges a lot could be done to ensure the institutional objectives are successfully attained. The researchers adopted a qualitative research methodology due to its ability to enable the researcher to access the deep-rooted experiences, perceptions and beliefs of strategy execution participants and stakeholders. A number of in-depth interviews were held with practitioners and their experiences and perceptions were sought. Further, focus group discussions were held in which participants shared their experiences and perceptions and were able to interrogate each contribution until its meaning and contribution to the study were comprehended. A process of trustworthiness was undertaken through detailed analysis of every input, a prolonged engagement with participants within the institution, the reference of transcripts to individual members for validation and the attainment of researcher trust over a prolonged period of time; this showed that data accessed and analysed truly reflected the perceptions and experiences of participants. The findings were that for successful execution of strategy the institution should identify institutional competences, use implementation guidelines, be able to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, employ knowledgeable and engaged leadership and exercise prudential use of resources, among others. The study concluded that the whole institution should buy-in to the strategy for the achievement of set objectives to be realised. The researchers encouraged other researchers to carry out further work into this area.
Keywords: Open and Distance Learning institutions, strategic leadership.
Title: Establish the Criticality of Strategic Leadership in Strategy Execution in Open and Distance Learning Institutions: A Case Study of Open University
Author: Dr. Caxton Shonhiwa, Stanley Idanai Murangwa
International Journal of Management and Commerce Innovations
ISSN 2348-7585 (Online)
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