Middle Management and Strategy Execution in a VUCA World

Abstract

Middle management in organizations execute strategic plans, and often, do not execute as they should because of misinterpretation of the strategic plans, limited knowledge, and complexity of the world. Literature tends to focus on strategy formulation rather than on execution. Few studies have focused on the role of middle management in the execution of strategy in a complex world. This study explores the role of middle management in higher educational institution (HEI) in executing strategic plans in a volatile, unpredictable, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) world. A qualitative research approach was employed and interviews conducted with ten middle management staff. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The study recommends that training for HEI middle management is undertaken and vital to implement strategic plans effectively. Recommendations from the study may assist in understanding how middle management execute strategy in the VUCA world in HEIs.