Closing the strategic planning and implementation gap through excellence in the public sector: empirical investigation using SEM

Abstract

Purpose Strategic planning and strategy implementation are proposed to impact overall performance. However, the purpose of this study is to empirically examine the mediating effect of organisational excellence on the relationship between strategic planning, strategy implementation and organisational performance (OP). Design/methodology/approach Hypotheses have been developed for testing using primary data obtained through a survey questionnaire. The data were gathered from the Dubai police organisation. Out of a total of 500 questionnaires, only 244 questionnaires were returned. For measurement and structural models, the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was used to analyse the data. Findings All proposed hypotheses were supported and confirmed the positive and significant relationships between strategic planning, strategy implementation, organisational excellence and OP. Statistical findings using SEM-partial least square also confirmed the mediating role of organisational excellence as a mechanism between strategic planning, strategy implementation and OP. Practical implications Results discussed many valuable implications. The outcomes will help managers, decision-makers and practitioners to consider organisational excellence strategy when implementing strategic planning process to achieve the best performance. Originality/value The current study is one of the most important empirical studies to analyse and examine the relationships between strategic planning, strategy implementation organisational excellence and business performance. In addition, this study is one the rare studies that involve excellence as a practice when implementing strategic planning process.