Joanna Radomska

Background. Research on the process of strategic management, particularly the implementation phase, does not give a definite recommendation regarding the aspect of formalization in each of its stages. Therefore, it seems important to examine this issue, especially in the context of its impact on the quality of the implemented strategies. The article presents the results of research on the practices of companies in the process of strategic management.
Research aims. I examined whether formalization is a desirable and recommended factor in the implementation of strategic concepts or whether it does not contribute to the degree of their realization.
Method. The quantitative research has been based on an open and standardised collection of data and involved 150 subjects grouped into 3 samples. The enterprises under examination were divided into two groups – the first one was composed of the subjects that confirmed using formal tools facilitating strategy implementation and the second consisted of the subjects that denied using those solutions. As the study used an ordinal scale, as a measure for the correlation of the investigated variables, the Kendall tau-b test was used.
Key findings. The research results showed that having a formal strategy document often resulted in the use of formal systems of strategy implementation. Moreover, it also proves the importance of the applied tools since they allow periodic verification of the progress made in strategy implementation and its conformity with the set vision. I also pointed out that the formalization of the implementation of the strategy stems from the formalization of the whole process of strategic management, as evidenced by the regularity of the work at all stages. The results showed, however, that the decision about introducing formalisation may facilitate strategy implementation but is not a factor determining the success of implementing the devised development concepts.

Background. The subject of strategy execution is one of the current areas of research, and the role of managers responsible for a proper organization of the implementation process is mentioned among many barriers. Therefore, it seems reasonable to carry out analyses of both tasks and competencies that are essential for implementation effectiveness.
Research aims. The aim of this paper is to examine whether there is a relationship between individual tasks (which determines the success in the strategy implementation) and the level of effective implementation of this process, as well as to analyse the correlations between the competencies of managers and the effectiveness of the strategy implementation.
Method. The survey was conducted using the paper and pencil interview approach, and then Kendall's tau-b correlations were calculated. The respondents in the survey included managers from 200 companies listed in prestigious rankings, i.e. from companies achieving development success.
Findings. The surveys proved that in relation to the strategy implementation, adequate actions taken by managers were much more important than their competencies. Therefore, the strategic awareness that manifests itself by the assignment of tasks and decision making power is more important than their knowledge and additional skills.