A strategic approach to the implementation of management by objectives in the government sector in the sultanate of Oman

Alshaqsi, M

Abstract

Management by Objectives (MBO) is becoming an increasingly important management approach as it offers an obvious goal, specifies job responsibilities and reduces ambiguity through continuous performance feedback. The international implementation of MBO principles shows that it is feasible to apply it in a wide range of organisations. Despite the evidence of the international application of MBO, a review of the Omani context indicates that there is an absence of clarity of goals set for management and employees in some government departments; and there is little participation between management and staff in developing departmental goals.
Therefore, the aim of this research is to propose a strategic approach for applying MBO and to identify the challenges that influence the implementations of MBO in the government sector in Oman. A single exploratory case study approach was adopted within one government ministry, the General Secretariat of the Cabinet. This study analysed data collected through a questionnaire from 110 top, middle and lower management and employees and ten semi-structured interviews undertaken in the General Secretariat to the Cabinet in Oman.
This research makes contributions to knowledge in understanding MBO’s principles, success factors, benefits and limitations; identifying the models and the international implementation of MBO; recognising the main criteria for developing a conceptual framework in order to investigate MBO’s applicability; and improving management style by examining MBO principles within a particular context in Oman. It also provides an insight into how the government sector in a developing country with a different background might deal with understanding MBO’s principles and implementation. An appropriate strategy that fits the environment of the government sector in Oman is offered.

Citation

Alshaqsi, M. A strategic approach to the implementation of management by objectives in the government sector in the sultanate of Oman. (Dissertation). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Dissertation
• Deposit Date: May 16, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: May 16, 2014