Abstract

Measuring organizational performance has been a major preoccupation of many organizations in the modern times. Traditional indicators of performance have been largely financial based. However, with the help of Balanced Scorecard model, all organizations are adopting performance measuring techniques that incorporate non-financial indicators of performance. This study set out to establish the influence of strategy formulation on the performance of Catholic parishes in Kenya. This study was anchored on Resource Based View theory, Dynamic Capabilities theory, and the Balanced Scorecard model. The research employed mixed methods approach using convergent design. Quantitative data was collected by use of survey questionnaire, while qualitative data was collected through interviews. The target population was ninety members of parish pastoral council and nine parish priests from nine parishes found to be applying strategic plan. In analyzing and interpreting the quantitative data, descriptive techniques were employed. Thematic analysis technique was used to analyze qualitative data. Study findings revealed a positive influence between strategy formulation and performance of parishes. The parish priests who were interviewed reported that strategic plan enabled the parishes to have a sense of direction and helps in promoting the collaborative ministry between the priests and the lay Christians. The study concluded that strategy formulation plays an important role in enhancing performance of Catholic parishes in Kenya. The study restricted itself to Catholic parishes and therefore, further research on influence of strategy formulation on performance of other churches is recommended.

Key words: Strategic plan; parish performance; catholic parish; parish priest; parish pastoral council.