Employee Participation in Strategic Planning: A Practical Experience of Technical Education and Training Institutions in Tanzania

Abstract

This study assessed employee involvement in strategic
planning (SP) in public technical education and training
institutions (TVETIs). It addressed who initiates the SP
process in TVETIs. Primary data were collected through
key informant interviews and questionnaires from four
planning directors and 277 experienced employees. The
directors were sampled using purposive sampling, while
the employees were sampled using convenience and
stratified sampling techniques. The data collected from in
depth interview were analysed using content analysis,
whereas data collected via questionnaire were analysed
using descriptive statistics. It was found that management
initiated the SP process. It was found that planning
officers, management, and the council are heavily
involved, while employees have minimal participation in
the SP formulation. The methods used in SP formulation
predominantly reach management and others but only
reach employees to a very limited extent. Consequently,
the level of awareness regarding all aspects of SP inquired
about was low. It was concluded that employees'
participation in the SP process within TVETIs is
significantly limited. Therefore, this study advises the
management of the surveyed institutions and the education
sector to actively involve employees in SP formulation to
foster a sense of ownership and motivation for successful
SP implementation.