Prioritizing factors for effective strategy implementation in small and medium-size organizations

Abstract

Purpose Organizations depend on multiple factors to maintain competitiveness and continuously adapt to the environment. Managers must know how to implement strategies while motivating the commitment of those involved. This study aims to present a model for prioritizing factors to promote effective strategy implementation in small- and medium-sized companies. Design/methodology/approach The authors adopted a systemic approach to articulate two instruments: social network analysis to identify the components that could affect strategy implementation, designing a conceptual model with this information, and analytical hierarchy process to validate the resulting construct. Findings The factors for effectively implementing strategies relate to the need for reinforcement, commitment, organizational culture, managerial skills, clear communication and involvement to reduce inconsistencies between the expected and current organizational state without neglecting coordination and management mechanisms. Research limitations/implications This work is limited to organizational matters. This study was conducted in collaboration with medium-sized Mexican companies with the participation of 94 managers with 10 years of experience. Although the results are mathematically rigorous, increasing the number of participants could enhance the approach to the problem. Practical implications This study could encourage academics and practitioners to target resources more accurately and improve organizational relationships to bridge the gap between strategic planning and practical implementation. Originality/value This study contrasts with previous research in proposing a systemic perspective that integrates participants’ experiences, developing a construct to determine and prioritize the factors to be addressed in strategy implementation. Therefore, this work invites the adoption of the proposed method as a complementary path to enrich academic and professional exchange.