Abstract

This study assessed the Effect of Developmental Strategies on Organizational Performance in Buea. To examine the Effect of Developmental Strategies on Organizational Performance. Data used for the study were collected through questionnaires from 50 employees in the Buea council.

The research explores how various strategic approaches—such as infrastructure development, capacity building, revenue mobilization, and service delivery improvements—contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of local governance.

Through a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative analysis of performance metrics, the study assesses the relationship between strategic planning and key performance indicators including financial sustainability, employee productivity, and citizen satisfaction.

Findings reveal that well-implemented developmental strategies significantly enhance organizational performance by promoting accountability, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement. The study concludes by recommending policy measures for strategic alignment and improved governance practices within local councils.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Organisational performance refers to the ability of an organisation to effectively and efficiently achieve its objectives. It encompasses various dimensions such as financial performance, operational efficiency, employee productivity, customer satisfaction, and innovation. Organisational performance is often assessed through metrics like profitability, growth, quality of products and services, and overall strategic outcomes. Performance can be both short-term and long-term, and it is influenced by various internal and external factors, including leadership, organisational culture, resource management, and market dynamics. Recent studies, such as those by Akinlolu and Aslam (2023), emphasise the importance of aligning organisational strategies with performance outcomes to achieve sustainable success. Effective performance management systems play a vital role in guiding organisations toward their goals, enhancing their adaptability, and ensuring overall competitiveness in the market.

Developmental strategy, on the other hand, refers to a comprehensive approach an organisation or government adopts to promote growth, development, and sustainability. In the context of local governments, such as councils, developmental strategies often involve long-term planning aimed at improving infrastructure, public services, economic conditions, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. These strategies are designed to address key development challenges and to create a roadmap for achieving desired outcomes, typically by allocating resources efficiently and setting clear goals. Developmental strategies can include policies for urban planning, education, healthcare, economic diversification, and environmental conservation. According to recent literature, such as the work by Uduh and Ojo (2022), effective developmental strategies are crucial for enhancing local governance and improving the quality of life for citizens. It is noted that a well-crafted strategy not only focuses on immediate needs but also considers long-term growth and resilience.

There is a direct link between developmental strategy and organisational performance, particularly in the context of local governance. As local councils implement developmental strategies, their performance improves through enhanced service delivery, economic growth, and social outcomes. A clear developmental strategy provides direction, promotes better resource allocation, and sets measurable targets that influence the overall performance of the organisation. For example, a council that implements an infrastructure development strategy may see improvements in transportation, healthcare, or waste management, which would, in turn, positively affect the council’s performance. In the case of Buea Council, for instance, the developmental strategy could directly impact local economic development, public satisfaction, and governance transparency, contributing to improved organisational performance (Akinyemi et al., 2021). The alignment of developmental strategies with organisational performance is critical for ensuring that the strategies lead to tangible, sustainable outcomes.

At the global level, developmental strategies have been increasingly recognised as essential for fostering economic growth and sustainable development in both developed and developing regions. Global organisations such as the United Nations and the World Bank emphasise the importance of well-coordinated development strategies that focus on human development, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. Global perspectives on developmental strategies highlight the interconnectedness of economic policies, environmental conservation, and social inclusion. For example, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outline the global framework for addressing challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change, which all require strategic planning at the national and local levels. In this context, organisational performance is viewed through a broader lens, with developmental strategies being integral to meeting both global and local goals. According to studies by Khalid et al. (2023), developmental strategies implemented at the local government level must align with global goals to ensure broader success in achieving the SDGs and other international objectives.

For developing countries, the link between developmental strategies and organisational performance is particularly significant. In these regions, developmental strategies are vital for overcoming structural challenges such as poverty, underdeveloped infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare and education systems. Developmental strategies in these countries focus on sustainable economic growth, poverty alleviation, and improving governance and transparency. However, challenges such as limited resources, political instability, and administrative inefficiencies often hinder the successful implementation of these strategies. For example, in many sub-Saharan African countries, local governments face difficulties in executing long-term developmental strategies due to budget constraints and weak institutional frameworks. Despite these challenges, countries like Ghana and Kenya have made significant strides in linking developmental strategies to organisational performance through improved governance practices and participatory decision-making processes (Mensah et al., 2022). These examples show how developmental strategies can positively impact organisational performance when properly aligned with the needs of the population.

In the context of Cameroon, and specifically Buea, local authorities are increasingly recognising the importance of developmental strategies in improving organisational performance. Buea, as a regional capital in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, faces several developmental challenges such as urbanisation, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental management issues. However, the local government in Buea has been actively working on developmental strategies to address these challenges. These strategies include infrastructure development, promoting local entrepreneurship, and enhancing service delivery in education and healthcare. Despite facing challenges such as financial constraints and political factors, Buea Council’s developmental strategies have shown promise in improving the quality of life for residents. According to research by Kweifio-Okai et al. (2023), the alignment of developmental strategies with organisational performance in Buea has led to improvements in local economic activities, waste management systems, and urban planning. However, the council must continue to address challenges related to resource allocation, intergovernmental coordination, and community engagement to fully realise the potential of these strategies for organisational improvement.

1.2 Problem Statement

The organisational performance of Buea Council has been on a consistent decline in recent years, raising serious concerns among stakeholders regarding the efficiency and effectiveness of local governance (Mvondo, 2024). Indicators such as slow service delivery, inadequate financial management, weak human resource productivity, and a lack of responsiveness to public needs have become increasingly evident. This is not an isolated case, as similar trends have been documented in several local councils across Cameroon (Awasom, 2023). In response to these challenges, various initiatives were introduced by the Council with the aim of reversing this downward trend, including managerial restructuring, increased stakeholder engagement, and the adoption of decentralised administrative tools.

Despite these efforts, performance indicators remain low, suggesting that prior interventions have not yielded the intended improvements. The persistent gap between expected and actual outcomes suggests that either the wrong strategies have been applied or that the existing strategies are not being effectively implemented (Ndjang et al., 2024). Among the most commonly promoted developmental strategies are strategic planning, capacity building, and policy reform. These are often presented as universal solutions to improve organisational performance in the public sector.

However, the effectiveness of these strategies within the context of Buea Council remains largely unverified. Strategic planning, for instance, is theoretically designed to align goals and resources for maximum efficiency, but whether this has translated into improved service delivery and accountability in the Council is yet to be empirically tested. Similarly, capacity building initiatives have been launched to enhance staff competence and institutional capability, yet the Council continues to struggle with inefficiency and poor coordination. Policy reforms have also been introduced with the aim of improving governance structures, but their actual impact on organisational performance remains unclear.

This study, therefore, seeks to critically examine whether these developmental strategies strategic planning, capacity building, and policy reform have a significant effect on the organisational performance of Buea Council. The intent is to move beyond assumptions and provide evidence-based insights into which strategies, if any, are truly effective within the specific operational realities of a local council in Cameroon.

1.3 Research Questions

1.3.1 Main Research Question

What is the effect of developmental strategies on the organisational performance of Buea Council?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions

1. What is the effect of strategic planning on the organisational performance of Buea council?
2. What effect does capacity building have on the organisational performance of Buea council?
3. How does policy reform contribute to enhancing the organisational performance of the Buea Council?

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