Sense-making and managers

Analyzing perceptions of critical success factors influencing strategy implementation in comprehensive universities in Ethiopia

Bibliographic Data

ID22437125
AuthorsManaye Abera Shamelo (0000-0002-3401-609X, Addis Ababa University, corresponding author), Jeilu Oumer Hussen (Addis Ababa University), Demoze Degefa Alemu (Addis Ababa University)
Year2026
Volume5
Issue1
Publication date2026-01-23
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDiscover Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2731-5525 • E-ISSN: 2731-5525
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s44217-025-01012-5
OpenAlexW7125503665
LanguageEN
References cited32

The purpose of this study was to examine how higher education managers navigate sense-making processes of critical Success factors influencing Strategic Management Practices in comprehensive universities in Ethiopia. The study employed mixed method with a simple random and purposive sampling technique. Eight CSFs were selected from an extensive literature search that is validated through an exploratory survey of a sample of 200 all level management from the eight comprehensive universities, of whom 196 responded. Open and closed ended questionnaires were utilized to collect data from the participants. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using SPSS version 27 in order to investigate managers’ perceptions of the identifying CSFs and to find patterns where it is presumed that there are relationships between data areas. The finding of the study showed agreement with the existing literature on the CSFs that contribute to the successful implementation of Strategy. The results of study concluded that “top management commitment and support is the most important CSF”, followed by resource allocation training and career development, and effective communication whereas “Employee involvement, continuous improvement, reward and teamwork” were considered to be the notables.

Critical success factor · Descriptive statistics · Exploratory factor analysis · Exploratory research · Nonprobability sampling · Perception · Simple random sample · Global and Cross-Cultural Management · Organizational Leadership and Management Strategies · Organizational Strategy and Culture

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access