EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCANNING ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF REFERRAL HOSPITALS IN KENYA: A CASE OF KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

Globally, organizations from both public and private sectors have over time recognized the importance of strategic management, which is considered as a tool, which can be employed for purposes of enhancing performance. Environmental scanning is an aspect of strategic management, which focuses on acquiring of relevant information by managers, which relate to activities in the operating environment of organizations for purposes of being well informed in view of action to be taken in the future. The provision of services at KNH has faced numerous difficulties. The difficulties are brought on by inadequate equipment, the presence of outdated equipment, and unfavorable working circumstances. Moreover, there is a shortage of medical personnel, and the present personnel are demoralized. The study recommends an established Environmental Scanning Framework that encompasses various dimensions, including political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors. Assign a dedicated team within each referral hospital responsible for conducting regular environmental scans and analyzing the findings. Establish a centralized data collection system that gathers relevant information from both internal and external sources, including government agencies, research institutions, and international organizations.