Leadership as a Factor Affecting Effective Strategy Implementation in Manufacturing Industry in Nakuru County Kenya: a Case Study of Bidco Oil Refineries Limited

The study sought to identify factors affecting effective strategy implementation in Bidco oil refineries Nakuru plant, Kenya (BORL). The study adopted a case study research design covering a sample of 73 respondents drawn from 90 employees of Bidco. Data was collected by use of questionnaires and was later analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis tools. According to the study findings, organizational leadership (93.1 %, mean 3.13) was found to be the most important factor influencing effective strategy implementation with a strong positive Spearman correlation of 0.458; p-value less than 0.01 (0.000). The study recommends that, the directors, managers and supervisors in a manufacturing industry should enhance a flexible leadership style that is consultative, open to ideas and encourages and motivates employees. The research indicated that almost half of the employees were not frequently involved in decision making. Therefore the study recommends for more involvement of employees in decision making. Employees ideas or thoughts may be collected through suggestion boxes, questionnaires or through frequent monthly review meeting with all employees.