A conceptual framework of impeders to strategy implementation from an exploratory case study in an Iranian university
Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues
ISSN: 1753-7983
Article publication date: 6 November 2009
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive framework for assessing impeders of strategy implementation in a higher education context through an in‐depth analysis of a higher education institution in Iran.
Design/methodology/approach
A semi‐structured interview is employed with senior academic staff and managers in a particular university.
Findings
The main impeders of strategy implementation within the university as the case organisation and are found to be grouped into five main areas: planning consequences, organisational, individual, managerial and environmental. The nature and reasons for the impeders are explained and finally an analytical framework is developed.
Research limitations/implications
The paper, through the use of how and why questions during interviews, highlighted a framework which provides an in‐depth understanding of impeders. The paper's results have implications for other universities in Iran and indeed the Middle East. However, a limitation of this paper is that the results are exploratory only, given that the paper is carried out in only one Iranian university.
Practical implications
This paper provides a valuable basis for discussion on the impeders of strategy implementation. Moreover, the results of the research can be used as guidance for managers and academic staff at the strategy implementation stage in the higher education sector.
Originality/value
The findings of the paper highlight the relevant impeders of strategy implementation within a higher education environment that will be of interest to those in this field, particularly those working in Iranian universities.
Keywords
Citation
Rahimnia, F., Polychronakis, Y. and Sharp, J.M. (2009), "A conceptual framework of impeders to strategy implementation from an exploratory case study in an Iranian university", Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 246-261. https://doi.org/10.1108/17537980911001080
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited