Obstacles to strategy implementation and success factors: A review of empirical literature

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify obstacles and success factors evident from empirical studies affecting strategy implementation and to provide an overview of the empirical literature. A systematic literature review (SLR) was used to analyze thirty-five peer-reviewed empirical articles. All of the 35 research papers selected in this review use primary data gathered from the organizations studied. This study of empirical research has identified 16 obstacles that can hinder strategy implementation and 18 success factors that can facilitate implementation. This study highlights factors that are dualistic, meaning that they contain both elements of obstacles and key success factors. The dualistic factors should therefore be considered in the strategy implementation process. Research gaps are identified. They include lack of studies on how to overcome obstacles to strategy on the one hand and on employee influence on implementation on the other. The differences among industries, countries, or cultures regarding implementation have not yet been explored at any depth. The paper adds to theoretical and practical knowledge based on the systematic overview it provides on strategy implementation from 1980 until 2020. The paper enriches the practical knowledge relevant to those implementing strategies, as it captures and identifies the dualistic factors affecting strategy implementation.