Influence of Strategic Leadership on the Performance of Public Hospitals in Embu County, Kenya

Abstract

In Kenya’s current changing business environment, the importance of strategic leadership in ensuring organizational success and effectiveness cannot be overstated. This study presented a comprehensive analysis of strategic leadership in influencing public hospital performance, with a focus on Embu County. The study sought to determine how strategic leadership influences performance levels, employees, and customer satisfaction in public hospitals. The theoretical framework for strategic leadership was developed using the servant leadership theory. From a target population of 350, consisting of 150 healthcare workers and 200 patients, data was collected using questionnaires from a sample size of 140. The 140 respondents comprised 57.2% of clients/ patients and 42.8% of healthcare workers.  The distribution of healthcare workers comprised of the following categories: nurse-in-charge 2.9%, ordinary nurses 17.1%, clinical officers-in-charge 2.9%, ordinary clinical officers 17.1% and public hospital’s administrators 2.9%. Descriptive statistics were employed to assess quantitative data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. Ms Excel was also used to draw charts and graphs. The findings of the study showed that 85.0% of healthcare workers and 60.0% of clients agreed that public hospitals’ vision and missions affected performance. In addition, 35.0% of healthcare workers and 32.5% of clients agreed that professional specialization impacted the performance of public hospitals. The study recommended public hospitals implement the finest strategic leadership principles, adopt a servant leadership style, implement a robust financial management system, conduct a mandatory review of their strategic objectives, develop a policy on professional specialization and craft measurable, clear, and patient-centered vision and mission statements. In conclusion, this study contributes to the growing body of strategic leadership literature by providing empirical evidence important in fostering organizational success. The insights obtained in the study will have practical implications for public hospital management and Embu County which seek to enhance efficiency in service delivery and ensure overall healthcare workers and customer satisfaction thus fostering sustainable growth.