Abstract:
Strategic management enables organizations to respond effectively to changing environments
while focusing on long-term goals. One of the critical drivers of successful strategy
implementation is organizational culture, which encompasses shared values, beliefs, and
behavioral norms that influence how work is done within institutions. This study assessed the
influence of organizational culture on the performance of agencies constituting the National
Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) in Kenya. Despite the existence of strategic
plans, NCAJ agencies have continued to face challenges such as systemic inefficiencies, low
prosecution success rates, and unequal access to justice—issues that are often rooted in or
exacerbated by cultural barriers. A descriptive correlational survey research design was
employed, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data. The target population consisted of
36 institutions under the NCAJ, and a sample of 164 respondents was selected from top and
middle-level management using the Yamane formula. Data were gathered using semi
structured questionnaires and supplemented with secondary data from institutional reports.
Instrument reliability and validity were confirmed through pilot testing, Cronbach’s alpha, and
exploratory factor analysis. Findings indicated a significant positive relationship between
organizational culture and the performance of NCAJ agencies. Specifically, a strong culture
that promotes collaboration, accountability, shared values, and adaptability contributed to
enhanced coordination, employee morale, and effective service delivery. The study concluded
that embedding a performance-oriented culture is essential for the success of justice sector
reforms. Recommendations include fostering inclusive organizational values, promoting
internal communication, and supporting leadership behaviors that reinforce a positive culture.
This study contributes to the literature on public sector strategy execution and offers practical
insights for justice sector policymakers aiming to build more responsive and performance
driven institutions.
Key Words: Organizational Culture, Performance, Agencies Constituting the National Council
on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ)
