QUESTION FIVE (20 MARKS)
Strategy implementation is an action-oriented, operations-driven activity aimed at shaping performance of core business activities in a strategy-supportive manner. It is tougher and more time-consuming than crafting strategy.
Elucidate the barriers to strategy implementation. To enhance your answer, apply your knowledge to a specific industry or organisation of your choice. (20)
Strategy implementation can face several barriers that can hinder its success. These barriers can be internal or external to the organization and can range from resistance to change, lack of resources, ineffective communication, and poor leadership, among others. To apply these barriers to a specific industry or organization, let's consider the healthcare industry and focus on a hospital as an example.
1. Resistance to Change: Healthcare organizations often face resistance from employees and healthcare providers when implementing new strategies. For instance, if a hospital decides to implement a new electronic medical record system, employees who have been accustomed to paper records may resist the change, creating barriers to implementation.
2. Lack of Resources: Hospitals often face resource constraints, whether it be financial, human, or technological resources. For example, if a hospital wants to implement cutting-edge medical technology, such as robotic surgery systems, but lacks the financial means to acquire these resources, it can hinder the strategy implementation.
3. Ineffective Communication: Poor communication can hinder strategy implementation in the healthcare industry. Hospitals rely on effective communication across various levels, departments, and stakeholders. If there is a lack of clear communication channels or breakdowns in communication, it can impede the successful implementation of strategies.
4. Poor Leadership: Lack of strong leadership can be a barrier to strategy implementation. Hospitals require leaders who can inspire, motivate, and guide employees towards achieving strategic goals. If there is a lack of effective leadership at different levels, it can lead to confusion, resistance, and lack of direction, making it difficult to implement strategies.
5. Resistance from External Stakeholders: Implementation of strategies in the healthcare industry can also face resistance from external stakeholders such as regulatory bodies, insurance providers, or local communities. For example, if a hospital aims to expand its services into a new geographic area but faces opposition from local community members or regulatory bodies, it can impede the implementation process.
6. Lack of Alignment: Strategy implementation requires alignment between different aspects of the organization, including organizational structure, culture, and individuals' goals. If there is a lack of alignment between these elements, it can hinder the successful implementation of strategies. For instance, if a hospital wants to shift towards a patient-centered care approach but has a hierarchical and rigid organizational structure, it can create barriers to implementation.
7. Inadequate Training and Development: Implementation of new strategies often requires employees to have the necessary skills and knowledge. If employees are not adequately trained and developed to adapt to new strategies, it can hinder implementation. For example, if a hospital wants to implement a new care coordination system but employees lack the necessary training to utilize the system effectively, it can hinder strategy implementation.
In summary, strategy implementation can face various barriers in the healthcare industry, ranging from resistance to change, lack of resources, ineffective communication, poor leadership, resistance from external stakeholders, lack of alignment, and inadequate training and development. Overcoming these barriers requires careful planning, effective communication, strong leadership, and a proactive approach to change management.