Strategic Management Practices and Organizational Performance in NGOs: A Study of Adventist Development and Relief Agency-Uganda

Abstract

Organizations in both the commercial and governmental sectors utilize strategic planning to enhance performance, but NGOs often face challenges such as insufficient resources, weak leadership, and poor governance. This study aimed to assess the impact of strategic planning practices on the performance of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Uganda. Specifically, it examined the effects of strategic analysis, strategic choice, implementation, and evaluation on organizational performance. The study was grounded in the Resource-Based View Theory and the Industrial Organization Theory, using a descriptive research methodology with a focus on quantitative data. The target population included 108 employees of ADRA-Uganda, consisting of administrators, project staff, and support staff. A sample size of 86 respondents was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan table. Data were collected through a standardized questionnaire and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlations and regression analyses. The findings revealed strong and positive relationships between various strategic planning practices and organizational performance. Strategic analysis showed a significant positive correlation with performance (r=0.740, p=0.000), supported by regression analysis (β=0.275, p=0.001). Strategic choice also demonstrated a significant positive correlation (r=0.662, p=0.000), with regression results confirming its impact on performance (β=0.18, p=0.025). Implementation planning was strongly associated with improved performance (r=0.775, p=0.000), and regression analysis highlighted its significant contribution (β=0.289, p=0.005). Finally, strategic assessment was positively correlated with organizational performance (r=0.746, p=0.000), with regression analysis confirming its importance (β=0.256, p=0.004). These results emphasize the crucial role of strategic planning in enhancing the performance of ADRA-Uganda, highlighting the need for effective analysis, informed decision-making, thorough implementation, and robust evaluation processes.