STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGY IN COMMERCIAL BANKS IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF STRATEGIC DIRECTION

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of strategic leadership on the effective implementation of strategy in the commercial banks in Kenya. More specifically, the study investigates the effect of strategic direction on the implementation of strategy in commercial banks.Methodology: Adopted a quantitative research design whose target population was the top management team in the commercial banks in Kenya. The instrument of data collection was tested for reliability using the Cronbach alpha test and for validity using the KMO and Bartlett’s test. Statistical analysis was then carried out on the data collected.Findings: The findings from the study revealed that the five constructs of strategic direction namely: the vision/mission/strategic intent clearly defined and understood, using incentive compensation, facilitating employees’ meaning-making of changes, management not too committed to status quo as to avoid any perceived risks, and the CEO’s personality inclined towards change significantly influence on the implementation of strategy in the commercial banks.