Cover
Volume 7, Special Issue 6 (2026)

Published: October 25, 2026

Pages: 1-19

Research Article

The impact of strategic drift on improving organizational performance: Analytical study of the opinions of a sample of employees at the technical institute / Kufa

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the impact of strategic drift on improving organizational performance through an analytical study of the opinions of a sample of employees at the Technical Institute / Kufa , within the context of seeking to bridge the knowledge gap related to explaining the nature of the relationship between these two variables in educational institutions. The study was based on the hypothesis that strategic drift, through its dimensions represented by satisfaction with leadership, marketing myopia, logical incrementalism, and organizational commitment, is one of the factors that directly influence the level of organizational performance, which was measured through its dimensions of accounting returns, growth, stock market performance, and operational performance. The study adopted the descriptive – analytical approach, and the questionnaire was used as the main tool for data collection, in addition to observation and personal interviews to enhance the accuracy of the results. The study population consisted of (355) employees, while the study sample included (185) questionnaires valid for statistical analysis. The data were analyzed using the (SPSS) program, relying on a set of descriptive and inferential statistical methods, particularly correlation and impact tests, after ensuring that the data met the conditions of normal distribution. The results of the statistical analysis showed the existence of a statistically significant and positive correlation and impact relationship between strategic drift and organizational performance. This confirms that the conscious management of manifestations of strategic drift can contribute to the early detection and treatment of organizational imbalances, improve the efficiency of resource utilization, and enhance the institution’s ability to adapt to environmental changes. The results also indicated that integration among the dimensions of strategic drift leads to achieving better levels of organizational performance, especially in operational aspects and institutional growth. The study concluded that strategic drift is not necessarily an entirely negative phenomenon; rather, it can be employed as an effective managerial tool if properly diagnosed and managed, thereby contributing to improving organizational performance and achieving institutional sustainability. In light of the results, the study recommended enhancing strategic awareness among administrative leaders and adopting flexible mechanisms to monitor and address strategic drift in a manner consistent with the requirements of modern work environments in educational institutions.

References

  1. Al-Azzawi, F. R. Y. (2023). Idarat al-taghyir wa al-tatwir al-tanzimi [Change management and organizational development].
  2. Kadhim, N. H. N., & Kadhim, T. H. (2021). Athar al-rida al-wazifi ‘ala al-iltizam al-tanzimi [The effect of job satisfaction on organizational commitment]. University of Al-Qadisiyah. https://repository.qu.edu.iq/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2023/01/%D8%A7%D8%AB%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B1%D8%B6%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D8%B8%D9%8A%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%86%D8%B8%D9%8A%D9%85%D9%8A.pdf
  3. Houshi, H. N., & Hameed, S. A. (2021). Idarat al-ihtiwa’ al-‘ali wa dawruha fi al-inhiraf al-istratiji [High-involvement management and its role in strategic drift]. Majallat Abhath Maysan, 17(34). https://systems.uomisan.edu.iq/cv/uploads/files/kr4wh_x35pvzse0.pdf
  4. Moumin, D. I. (2024). Corporate governance in Morocco: a literature review. Emirati Journal of Business, Economics and Social Studies, 3(1), 42-46.
  5. Elena-Iuliana, I., & Maria, C. (2016). ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE-A CONCEPT THAT SELF-SEEKS TO FIND ITSELF. Annals of'Constantin Brancusi'University of Targu-Jiu. Economy Series/Analele Universităţii'Constantin Brâncuşi'din Târgu-Jiu Seria Economie, (4).
  6. Faraj ,Shaheed Jamhour & Ahmed ,Shehenaz Fadhil,(2020)," Strategic Flexibility's Impact in Avoiding the Strategic Drift: Analytical Research in Hospitals of The Medical City in Baghdad ( Research Extracted from An MA Thesis).
  7. Alsaqal, A. H., Ahmed, H. A., & Abdullah, A. J. (2021). The Role Of Strategic Physiognomy To Avoid The Strategic Drift. Academy of Strategic Management Journal, 20, 1-11.
  8. Yushkova, N. G., Gushchina, E. G., & Shokhneh, A. V. (2019). Spatial location of regional resources within the strategic drift of globalization: problems, tendencies, procedures. In SHS web of conferences (Vol. 62, p. 02004). EDP Sciences.
  9. Kleweno, Spencer ,(2022)," Strategic Drift: How to avoid losing competitive advantage".
  10. Kacinova, Sabina ,(2021)," Strategic Drift: Understanding What It Means and Its Impact on Your organisation.
  11. Van Aken, J. E. (2004). Management research based on the paradigm of the design sciences: the quest for fieldtested and grounded technological rules. Journal of management studies, 41(2), 219-246.
  12. Usmany, P., Ngabalin, A. M., Utami, T. W., & Putrianti, F. G. (2024). The Impact of Strategic Management on Organizational Performance: An Empirical Study. International Journal of Economics (IJEC), 3(2).
  13. Khalifa, G. S., Alkheyi, A. A., Hossain, M. S., Alneadi, K. M., El-Aidie, S., & Alhaj, B. K. (2025). Organisational performance from a resource-based view: a study of public service sector in the United Arab Emirates. International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management, 15(1), 90-109.
  14. Bao, J., Wu, A., & Zhang, M. (2025). Organizational-performance pay and compensation dispersion. Journal of Organization Design, 1-22.
  15. JosiahGo,2021,"Strategicdrift"https://business.inquirer.net/320058/strategic-drift.
  16. Gachanja, L. E. (2018). Strategic drift and its effect on the performance of insurance companies in Nairobi city county, Kenya. School Of Business In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirements For The Award.
  17. Gajere, M. C., & Nimfa , D. T. (2021) . Strategic drift and organizational culture in oil and gas Company of Nigeria. Strategic Drift and Organizational Culture in Oil and Gas Company of Nigeria (April 8 , 2021 ) .
  18. combs, J. G., Crook, T. R., & Shook, C. L. (2005). The dimensionality of organizational performance and its implications for strategic management research. Strategic Management Journal, 26(3), 259–278.
  19. Combs, J. G., Russell Crook, T., & Shook, C. L. (2005). The dimensionality of organizational performance and its implications for strategic management research. In Research methodology in strategy and management (pp. 259-286). Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
  20. Elena-Iuliana, I., & Maria, C. (2016).o ganizational performance – A conceptual approach. Annals of the University of Oradea, Economic Science Series, 25(1), 179–186.
  21. Faraj, Shaheed Jamhour, Ahmed,2020, Strategic Flexibility's Impact in Avoiding the Strategic Drift: Analytical Research in Hospitals of the Medical City in Baghdad
  22. Gachanja, L. E., Kinyua, G., & Muchemi, A. (2021). Strategic Drift and Firm Performance: A Review of Literature. International Journal of Managerial Studies and Research, 10(1), 80-97.
  23. Gajere, M. (2018). The Impact of Strategic Drift and Tactical Wear–Out: An Anecdote Example: The Case of the Distribution of Petroleum Products by Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). International Journal of Emerging Trends in Social Sciences, 3(2), 74-79.
  24. halifa, A., Ahmed, S., & Omar, R. (2024). Organizational performance and strategic management: The role of resources and adaptability. Journal of Business and Management Studies, 12(1), 85–100
  25. Moumin, A. (2024) Redefining organizational performance in a globalized business environment. International Journal of Business and Management Studies, 16(1), 1–15.
  26. Sammut - Bonnici, T. (2018). Strategic Drift. Wiley Encyclopedia of Management, 12(1), 1-4.
  27. Sammut- Bonnici, T. (2014). strategic drift.
  28. Zafirova, T. (2018). Strategic Drift and Strategic Crisis Management of Organization. Journal of China- USA Business Review, 13 (7), 486- 494