Effect of School Culture on Implementation of School Strategic Plans: A Case of Mathira Sub-county, Nyeri County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of school culture on the implementation of school strategic plans in public secondary schools in Mathira Sub-County in Nyeri County. Descriptive research design was used in this study. The target population comprised of 40 principals, 520 members of Board of Management and 320 Heads of Departments. A sample of 12 principals, 12 chairpersons of the respective Boards of Management and 96 heads of departments were selected through both simple random sampling and purposive sampling methods. The researcher collected data by administering questionnaires to the principals and Heads of Departments, and conducting interviews for the chairpersons of the respective Board of Management. A pilot study was carried out prior to the main study in order to test the reliability and validity of the instruments. The study established that public secondary schools in Mathira Sub-County had formulated strategic plans but had failed to implement them as planned. This was attributed to a school culture that did not readily embrace new ideas and that was not aligned to the implementation process. Based on these findings, it was concluded that school culture affects the implementations of strategic plans. The study recommends that schools culture should embrace change and the managers should align it to the implementation process.