An Analysis Of Leadership Strategies Employed By Top 40 Under 40 Executives In Kenya In Relation To High Performance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze leadership strategies employed by top 40 under 40 executives in Kenya in relation to high performance. The objectives of the study were to identify the characteristics of the young successful executives, to establish the challenges that the young executives faced and to determine the leadership strategies employed by the young successful executives to achieve high performance. The study was descriptive in approach. Sources of data included questionnaires which were the primary sources of data while secondary data included journals, books and articles. A census population of 79 young executives was involved in the study as the sample population of the top 40 under 40. The findings were analyzed through SPSS and report presented by frequency tables, chi square and cross tabulation tables. The findings show that the young executives have leadership traits similar to empirical literature. These leadership traits included being ambitious (96%), articulate (98%) and perceptive (94%). The findings indicated that the young executives faced similar challenges found in empirical literature which included; understanding changing employee values (74%), getting support from the board of directors (56%) and growing leaders within the organization (72%). The leadership strategies were also similar to empirical literature and included the use of a strategic plan (90%) and the use of soft skills such as influence (92%). On further analysis through chi square, a strong relationship was found between board support and innovation with a lamda of .64 which indicates that board support enhances innovation. The study recommends that leadership traits should be detected early so that they can be natured and developed early. Mentorship programs are recommended in order to share experiences and knowledge. The study further recommends a research on whether the success of the top 40 under 40 is long term or just a hype by the media.