The efficacy of strategic management processes: An empirical study of National Sports Associations of Zimbabwe.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to appraise the adequacy of strategic management processes of National Sports Associations (NSAs) in Zimbabwe. Most of Zimbabwe NSAs perform poorly as evidenced by the perennial failure of national teams to qualify for major regional and international tournament. Their strategic management processes appear to be inadequate to meet the modern day environmental challenges. The study used the descriptive survey as the design. A sample of fifty three National Sports Association and Provincial Sports Association chairpersons were randomly selected from a population of seventy nine chairpersons. Hand delivered questionnaires with both open ended and closed questions were used to collect data. Results from the study indicate that most NSAs have core values, corporate objectives, policies and make use of physical structures. However the results also show that the majority of NSAs do not have strategic plans, do not practice strategic management and do not conduct strategic reviews. The results led to the conclusion that the strategic management processes in NSAs are inadequate. The study recommended that NSAs should prioritize strategic management and that both the Sports and Recreation Commission and Zimbabwe Olympic Committee should assist NSAs technically and financially to facilitate the adoption of strategic management principles.