The influence of dimensions of organisational culture on supply chain performance in selected state-owned enterprises in Zimbabwe.

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the extent to which organisational cultural factors, like time orientation, profit orientation, and ownership orientation have an influence on the supply chain performance of state owned enterprises (SOEs) in Zimbabwe. The main objective of the study was to explore the influence of dimensions of organisational culture on supply chain performance in SOEs in Zimbabwe. There were seven specific objectives. The first research objective was to review literature on organisational and supply chain management. The second research objective was to examine the extent to which SOEs in Zimbabwe were effective in terms of financial targets, customer satisfaction, internal business processes, and learning and growth perspectives. The third research objective was to understand the influence of time orientation on the supply chain metric of delivery in SOEs in Zimbabwe. The fourth research was to understand the influence of time orientation on the supply chain metric of flexibility in SOEs in Zimbabwe. The fifth research objective was to understand the influence of profit orientation on cost reduction in supply chain activities in SOEs in Zimbabwe. The sixth research objective was to understand the influence of ‘no ownership culture’ on decision-making in supply chain management in SOEs in Zimbabwe. The seventh research objective was to assess the level of customer satisfaction in SOEs. The researcher used mixed methods, which entailed a combination of both qualitative and quantitative designs. The population for the study comprised managers, employees, and clients of eight SOEs in Zimbabwe. The researcher used a combination of sampling strategies. Judgmental sampling was used to select the SOEs that were studied. Managers and employees were selected using random sampling while clients were selected through convenience sampling. Questionnaires and interviews were used as research instruments. This thesis presents the findings thematically, in line with the research questions. When answering the first research question, it was established that the SOEs were not meeting financial targets, not satisfying customers, internal business processes were not efficient and learning, and growth targets were not met. The study also found that the organisational cultural variables such as time and ownership orientation in the SOEs were weak and affecting, flexibility and timely delivery of goods and services negatively. It was established that there was no urgency because there were no ownership claims to profit. With regard to customer satisfaction, it was found out that the SOEs were failing to meet the needs of clients. In its contribution to new knowledge, the present research found that organisational cultural variables such as time, ownership and profit orientation have a direct influence on the behaviour of human resources and an indirect effect on customer satisfaction, cost saving and profitability in the SOEs. Based on the study, it is therefore recommended that commitment of leadership on human behaviour is necessary for effective supply chain performance and strategy implementation. It is also held that constant environmental scanning, strategic alliances (private-public partnerships), rationalisation of salaries and benefits and sound corporate governance are essential.