STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY IN SELECTED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN CROSS RIVER STATE

Abstract

The dynamics in environment have imposed the need for leaders to adopt innovative ideas to create unique services that would bring about sustainability in the academic environment. Effective adoption of strategic management practice in tertiary institutions is without ease, the issue of absence of commitment of leaders to strategic planning, evaluation and implementation constitutes hindrance to productivity of tertiary institutions. This study sought to examine the impact of strategic management on organizational productivity in selected tertiary institutions in Cross River State. It critically examined the extent to which strategic planning, evaluation and implementation serves as enablers to innovative governance in the institutions. The strategic planning theory was adopted to guide the study. Simple random sampling technique was adopted and a sample size of 355 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane formula. A structured questionnaire was developed, validated and tested for reliability using test-retest. Data from the questionnaire was analyzed using simple percentages, while the chi-square was used in testing the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that strategic planning helps to guide educational development with common vision and share priorities which enhanced productivity in tertiary institutions. Also, strategic evaluation helps to effectively measure changes in the educational plan, and better governance decisions are implemented based on predetermined objectives of the institutions. It was recommended that management of tertiary institutions should continuously use strategic planning to determine the needed policies that would guide educational development based on vision, to ensure that academic goals are successfully achieved.