دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی تمرینات مدیریت استراتژیک در آفریقا - امرالد 2018

Abstract

The essence of formulating an effective strategy should be dependent on a company’s understanding of its operating environment. The implementation of a unique and effective strategy in an indigenous and competitive business environment will result in a competitive advantage. Drawing on the models that reduce uncertainty in business organisations, this chapter examines the dynamics of indigenous strategic management practices in Africa using Dangote Cement in Nigeria and Equity Bank in Kenya as case studies. The conceptual framework of this chapter presents the synthesis of strategic management practices in Africa; a global perspective and emphasis on Africa and as a result of which emerging organisations adopt these management practices and findings from both organisations. We discuss the tenacity of Dangote Cement entrepreneurial understanding of the Nigerian political, social and economic environment and its effective government relationship. This chapter examines the challenges and trends of strategic management practices in Africa and the key success factors in doing business in Africa, despite the depth of challenges in a business environment that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. We discuss Equity Bank’s stakeholder management practices, strategic leadership and its inclusive business model, developed to enhance financial inclusion and access to available and attractive financial services for those at the bottom of the pyramid. Significantly, we argue that to succeed in Africa, businesses must understand the dynamics of strategic leadership, the cultural context of the operating environment, stakeholder management and include the social dimension of business in their business strategy.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Strategic management practices that are adapted to fit with the African business environment
socio-political, culture and economy
are important for organisational performance. Therefore, strategy scholars should ensure that they develop the right managers for this purpose. On their part, businesses in Africa should encourage managers to be adaptive and flexible in strategy development and implementation. Businesses should understand that the effect of macroeconomic, social, environmental, political and cultural changes on the growth and performance of any organisation should be taken seriously. In Africa, uncertainty, volatility and complexity have become an entrepreneur’s business nightmare. Businesses should identify, develop and implement the strategic management practices some identified in this chapter that are suitable for African markets and investors.

Though there are challenges, which this chapter has identified. These challenges necessitate the need for an adaptive and flexible approach to strategic management practices in Africa. Though these practices are not only contingent to Africa, and in another context, they might not be viewed as strategic management practices, but in Africa, they are considering their relevance to strategic development and implementation. In this chapter, we consider them as a model for strategic management practices for business success in Africa. It will be important for businesses to study this model, as it will help them understand how challenges offer an avenue for businesses to retool their business strategy in a way that these challenges can be opportunities rather than impediments. Dangote Cement and Equity Bank are good examples of businesses in this regard. They have succeeded in developing business models that are effective within the African framework.