The Impact of Strategic Planning in Palestinian Municipalities On The Quality of Service Provided To Its Citizens
The Impact of Strategic Planning in Palestinian Municipalities On The Quality of Service Provided To Its Citizens
The Impact of Strategic Planning in Palestinian Municipalities On The Quality of Service Provided To Its Citizens
5; 2019
ISSN 1913-9004 E-ISSN 1913-9012
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education
Received: March 4, 2019 Accepted: April 2, 2019 Online Published: April 17, 2019
doi:10.5539/ibr.v12n5p69 URL: https://doi.org/10.5539/ibr.v12n5p69
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of strategic planning in Palestinian Municipalities on the
Quality of service provided to citizens. Secondary data were obtained by reviewing journals, books, bulletins,
textbooks, scientific articles, newspapers, periodicals etc. Primary data was collected by a specific questionnaire.
The questionnaire consisted of (45) items divided into three main sections: personal information, the strategic
planning, and the dimensions of the quality. A random sample of One hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires
were distributed to the employees of Jenin Municipality, one hundred and fourteen (114) questionnaires were
retrieved and 6 cases were (missing cases). The researcher adopted SERVQUAL model in this study and made
some adaptation on it to match the main objectives of the study. In order to answer the study question the
researcher followed the analytical descriptive approach and tested three main hypotheses which were clarified in
the study. The Main findings showed that strategic planning has a positive correlation and impact on the quality
of the service provided to citizens, as well as the sub-hypothesis, (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, empathy,
and assurance) examined by the view of respondents and this applies to all the four factors (vision, mission,
objectives, and the strategic choices), the level of satisfaction of the quality of the service provided by Jenin
municipality which was measured by the employees was moderate. The researcher recommended the Palestinian
Municipalities to promote quality culture and encourage employees to participate in continuous improvement
processes and opportunities for creativity and innovation.
Keywords: strategy, strategic management, strategic planning, quality, service quality, SERVQUAL, jenin
municipality
1. Background of the Study
Strategic management is one of the most basic tools available for managers for the construction of a systematic
administrative system (BērziĦs, 2015). Strategic planning is defined as "an ongoing, systematic process that
takes a forward-looking approach to an organization‟s goals and objectives" (Di Napoli, 2003, P. 40).
Planning experience in Palestine is distinguished by progressive development, since the advent of the Palestinian
National Authority to the homeland in 1994 planning took local practicality gradually began in preparing
Emergency Qualification Program (ERP) in collaboration with the World Bank, this was followed by setting the
Palestinian investment program for two years (1996-1997), then moved to short-term programs and medium-term
plans (Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, Emergency and Investment Plan 2003-2004).
Palestinian municipalities have adopted the strategic developmental planning in tune with the policy of the
Ministry of Local Government, which was contained in its strategic plans for the institutionalization of the
municipal and village councils work, then specialized committees were formed for drafting and developing these
plans (Al-Qeeq, 2015).
The purpose of strategic planning for any organization is to identify where the organization is now and where it
is going and how to reach there, Strategic planning is not only an important basis for the work implementation of
the organization, but it is also putting the organization structure and improves its performance in risk
management and portfolio management for any initiatives at the enterprise level (Mellon, 2010).
Strategic development plan is considered a major component and a key requirement in the development of
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municipalities and communities that seek to progress, promotion and advancement of its internal status and the
services provided to citizens (Al-Qeeq, 2015). The total quality theories involved in considering strategic
planning as an indicator to reach the total quality through mastering work and improve services in all fields
(Alshikh, 2014).
Efficient services are recognized when the service provider respond to customer request and when all citizens
have access to the services provided and when the administration work to ensure that the services match with the
request for all consumers (Webster et al, 2011). When quality is available satisfied customers will increase in
number, buy more, pay their bills promptly which improves cash flow and the livelihood of the organization
(Nashappi et al, 2014).
Quality theories have developed toward strategic planning consideration as one of the indicators that access to
quality requires mastery of work and improve services in all aspects begins with strategic planning and ends with
an assessment (Al-Shikh. 2014).
1.1 Problem Statement
To provide the value of customers became one of the most important strategies, and customers are now considered
as the most important assets. The lack of successful implementation remains alarming given the significance of
the customer to the service operations and strategy (Nashappi et al, 2011).
Strategic planning is assumed to produce the response to citizens' needs and provide services with good quality
which satisfy all citizens levels, this study focuses on answering the following main question: what is the impact of
adopting strategic planning in Jenin municipality on the quality of service provided to citizens in Jenin city?
1.2 Study Questions
The main question of this study is: what is the impact of adopting strategic planning in Jenin municipality on the
quality of service provided to citizens in Jenin city?
1.3 Sub. Questions
1- What is the degree of the available strategic planning in Jenin municipality?
2-What is the level of the quality of service provided to citizens in Jenin municipality?
3- Is there a relationship between the strategic planning factors (vision, mission, objectives, strategic choices) and
the quality of service dimensions (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, security, assurance) in Jenin
municipality?
4- What is the impact of strategic planning factors (vision, mission, objectives, strategic choices) on the quality of
service dimensions (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, security, assurance) in Jenin municipality?
1.4 Study Objectives
The main Objective of this descriptive analytical study is to realize if there is an impact of the strategic planning
in Jenin Municipality on the quality of service provided to the citizens in Jenin city.
1- To identify the level of the available strategic planning in Jenin municipality;
2- To know the level of the quality of service in Jenin municipality;
3- To recognize the relationship between the strategic planning factors (vision, mission, objectives, strategic
choices) and the quality of service dimensions (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, security, assurance) in
Jenin municipality;
4- To identify the impact of strategic planning factors (vision, mission, objectives, strategic choices) on the
quality of service dimensions (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, security, assurance) in Jenin municipality;
1.5 Significance of the Study
According to the literature review that the researcher studied, she supposes that this is the first study in Palestine
which measure the impact of strategic planning on the quality of service provided to citizens by Jenin
municipality. Through this study, the researcher sought to:
1- Add the value of adopting the strategic planning in the Palestinian municipalities and associating the strategic
planning with the quality of service provided to citizens by municipalities;
2- This study will add value to the performance of municipalities which is considered by customers when
implementing quality in their service to achieve customers‟ satisfaction;
3- The scientific significance of answering the research question which is the core of this study;
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4- Recognize the impact of strategic planning on the quality of service provided to citizens in Jenin city;
5- The researcher suggested some recommendations to link strategic planning with the quality of service in
Jenin municipality and other Palestinian municipalities to improve the quality of service in the Palestinian
municipalities.
1.6 Study Hypotheses
In order to answer the study question: what is the impact of adopting strategic planning in Jenin municipality on
the quality of service provided to citizens in Jenin city? the researcher developed four main Hypotheses as
follows:
H0.1: There is no significant relationship between the strategic planning factors (vision, mission, objectives,
strategic choices) and the quality of service dimensions (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, security,
assurance) in Jenin municipality at the level α ≤0.05.
H0.2: There is no significant impact at (α ≤0.05.) of strategic planning factors (vision, mission, objectives,
strategic choices) on the quality of service in Jenin municipality
1.7 Study limitations
1. Objective limits: This study was limited to examining the impact of strategic planning on the quality of service
provided to citizens by Jenin municipality;
2. Spatial boundaries: Jenin municipality, the sample was taken from Jenin municipality employees;
3. Time limits: The study covers the period from March 2017 to January 2018.
2. Theoretical Framework
Modern administrations face increasing challenges as a result of the acceleration of changes and developments in
the late twentieth century. The response to these changes and developments is reflected in the ability of the
administration to play its role in business organizations as a means of the organization at all levels and forms to
utilize and invest its resources to achieve its objectives. The success or failure of the organization depends on its
ability to achieve its mission, goals, and objectives, which requires the development of a strategy for the
organization and the pursuit of implementation in light of the various changes surrounding the organization
(Al-Sakarnah, 2015, p. 23). The twenty-first century has witnessed the appearance and growing acceptance of
new trends of research that offer more supportive means of overcoming organizational realities (Johnson et al.
2008.P. 17). Strategic planning is considered the only way for the organization to follow up the implementation
or modification of its strategy. However, the strategic planning so far has not received enough attention and is
not applied in most of the products or service sectors, and the tools used to measure the performance so far
limited to the traditional tools which assess the financial aspect and neglect other important aspects of customer
satisfaction and quality measurement (Al-Sakarnah, 2015, p. 23).
2.1 Strategy
Strategy is a word that has many meanings relevant and useful to those who are interested in developing a
strategy for business organizations, profit organizations and nonprofit organizations. Alfred D. Chandler, Jr.,
(1962) in his book Strategy and Structure, defined strategy as “the determination of the basic long-term goals
and objectives of an enterprise, and the adoption of courses of action and the allocation of resources for carrying
out these goals.” In (1994) Henry Mintzberg determined that strategy is a plan, a pattern, a position, a
perspective, and in the margin, it can also be a trick, a maneuver aimed at competing. Fred Nickols in (2016)
when he was head of Strategic Planning and Management Services at Educational Testing Service proposed a
definition of a strategy: "Strategy refers to a general plan of action for achieving one‟s goals and objectives"
(Nickols, 2016, pp.1-3). Strategy is "the direction and scope of an organization over the long term, which
achieves advantage in a changing environment through its configuration of resources and competences with the
aim of fulfilling stakeholder expectations". Finally, the strategy of an organization organizes a comprehensive
major plan that states how the organization will attain its mission and objectives (Wheelen and Hunger, 2012, p.
43).
2.2 Strategic Planning
Planning is management role which involves in putting objectives and defining a path of work to obtain those
objectives. In planning, managers must be aware of environmental situations facing their organization and
estimate of future circumstances. Managers also must be good decision makers. (Carpenter et al. 2012, p.p.
22-28). According to the business dictionary, strategic planning is defined as a "systematic process of
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envisioning a desired future and translating this vision into broadly defined goals or objectives and a sequence of
steps to achieve them". Strategic planning is the optimize use of resources, invest in opportunities and overcome
weaknesses to reduce external threats and competitors. Strategic planning as a concept is defined: " a long-term
planning that takes into account internal and external variables identifies the sectors and target market segments
and the method of competition and is a renewable process that is updated every year to study internal and
external developments" (Al-Sakarnah, 2015, P. 32). Strategic planning “The process of analyzing competitive
opportunities and threats, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the organization, and then determining how
to position the organization to compete effectively in its environment” (Carpenter et al. 2012, P. 28). Strategic
planning is a systematic process to indicate and achieve tasks that take advantage of the strengths and
weaknesses of the municipality while recognizing there are threats and external opportunities that have an impact
on the municipality. It is the cornerstone of achievement the purpose of any municipality plan. It provides the
municipality a means to design its desired future rather than responding to events as unfolding. It provides the
municipality with an opportunity to develop a vision of its required future with the collaboration of all
stakeholders. The process also includes steps to ensure that the current strategic plan continues and responds to
and adapts to the changing surroundings. (Di Napoli, 2003, P. 1-2).
The purpose of strategic planning for any organization is to identify where the organization is now and where it
is going and how to reach there, Strategic planning is not only an important basis for the work implementation of
the enterprise, but it is also putting the organization structure and improves its performance in risk management
and portfolio management for any initiatives at the enterprise level (Mellon, 2010).
Strategic planning is a process and technique to the service of the public sector. By applying strategic planning in
their job, public organizations can make appropriate decisions to manage restricted resources in a logical way,
towards increasing and improving services and obtaining a major gratification of citizens (Salkić, 2014, P. 62).
Through the last two decades, there has been a broad kind of new management methods, such as cost-benefit
analysis, planning-programming-budgeting systems, management by objectives, total quality management, etc.
However, strategic planning has increased in popularity and use as an effectual management tool, mostly with
municipalities. Strategic planning is a systematic method of controlling change and enhancing a better future in
the light of changes. It is an innovative operation for identifying and achieving plans that take the benefits of the
municipality's strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities. It can also give the society a clearer image of the
municipality's special identity and care about the aspects that the municipality failed to notice before (Service
Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, 2000, pp. 5-6). There are five main benefits for the municipality to
accomplish a strategic plan (Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, 2000, pp. 5-6):
1. The key benefit of strategic planning is encouraging strategic thinking and attitude;
2. Strategic planning can help the municipality formulate and lead its strategic intents clearly. It can help in
making today‟s decisions in the light of future conclusions;
3. Strategic planning can strengthen the municipality's organizational response and execution, where the
municipality is motivated to illustrate and classify key organizational matters and comply wisely to requirements
and internal and external constraints.
4. Strategic planning can promptly support policy makers and decision makers in improving their performance of
their roles and implement their duties. It is likely that teamwork and experience will be strengthened among all
municipal staff;
5. A strategic plan supplies the preliminary work for a municipality to perform an inclusive action plan.
Strategic development plan is considered a major component and a key requirement in the development of
municipalities and communities that seek to progress, promotion and advancement of its internal status and the
services provided to citizens (Al-Qeeq, 2015). The total quality theories involved in considering strategic
planning as an indicator to reach the total quality through mastering work and improve services in all fields (Al
shikh, 2014).
The researcher defines strategic planning as a systematic process by the organization which defines the
organization vision, mission and strategic objectives then choose the best available strategic choices to achieve
the desired goals. From the previous definition, four components of strategic planning will be adopted in this
study: vision; mission; objectives; and strategic choices.
Vision or strategic intent is "the desired future state of the organization". It is "an aspiration around which a
strategist, perhaps a chief executive, might seek to focus the attention and energies of members of the
organization"(Johnson et al. 2008, p.10). The vision statement is what the Organization aspires to. Its purpose is
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to develop a view of the future in order to promote, get committed and extend performance (Johnson et al. 2008,
pp.163-164).
Mission: An organization´s mission is the purpose or reason for the organization´s existence. It tells what the
company is providing to society- either a service or a product (Wheelen and Hunger, 2012, p. 41). It is a general
term for the overall purpose of the organization, which, ideally, is in line with the values and expectations of key
stakeholders and concerned with the scope and boundaries of the organization. Sometimes it is indicated to in
terms of the apparently simple but challenging question: „What business are we in?‟ (Johnson et al. 2008, p.10).
The aim of the mission statement is to supply employees and stakeholders with a clear visibility about the
general purpose of the corporation and the reason for its existence. It is, therefore, to do with building
understanding and trust about how the strategy of the corporation connect with that purpose (Johnson et al. 2008,
pp.163-164). A mission statement and a vision statement are typically concerned with the purpose of an
organization in terms of its strategic direction. The strategic mission declares management customized answer to
the question” what our business is and what will it be?” A mission statement in general outlines the
organization's future trend and serves as an acquiring concept for what the organization is to do and to become.
What is our business? (Nábrádi, 2006, p. 29). In practice, the distinction between mission and vision statements
can be hazy but they are intended to be different as follows: When the organization uses the word goal in its
strategy, the goal generally means a common objective with the mission line. It might be qualitative in nature.
While, an objective is further probably to be quantified, or at least to be a more accurate target in line with the
goal (Johnson et al. 2008, p.10).
Objectives are "statements of specific outcomes that are to be achieved" (Johnson et al. 2008, P. 164). Objectives
are the end results of planned activity. They tell what is to be accomplished by when and quantified if possible.
The achievement of corporate objectives should result in the fulfillment of a corporation mission (Wheelen and
Hunger, 2012, p. 42). At the corporate and business unit levels objectives are often expressed financially. This
can be an expression of desired sales or earnings levels, growth rates, dividend levels or stock assessment
(Hutton, 2001, cited in Johnson, et al. 2008). However, the corporations may also have market-based objectives,
many of which are quantified as objects – such as market share, customer interest, business replication, etc.
When determining goals, managers should consider three related issues (Johnson et al, 2011, pp. 121-123):
• Objectives and measurement. Some executives see that objectives are not useful unless their accomplishment
can be measured. There are times when quantified targets need to be pursued, for example when a critical
operation is needed and management needs to focus attention on a limited number of priority needs - as in the
case of transformation;
• Define basic objectives. Managers in most firms determine financial objectives because they realize that unless
sufficient earnings are made to satisfy shareholders and allow reinvestment in the business, it will not survive.
However, there may be other features of business procedures that survive and thrive business. For example, how
an organization is distinct from its competitors, or how competitive advantage can be achieved and maintained.
This is likely to be based on the capabilities that are evaluated by the customers and distinct from the
competition. Setting targets that capture this competitive advantage and allow performance monitoring against
them is also crucial;
•Objectives and control. This can be addressed through a 'series of objectives - a set of comprehensive objectives
are defined at each level in the hierarchy. Here consideration should be given to trade-offs: How to achieve the
desired levels of visibility on strategy without being overly restrictive in terms of people's latitudes.
Strategic objectives are aims relating to strengthening a firm‟s overall market situation and competitive viability
(Nábrádi, 2006, p. 30).
Strategic choices The strategic choice perspective goes one step further by proposing that not only do
organizations adopt to a changing environment, but they also have the opportunity and power to reshape their
environment (Wheelen and Hunger, 2012, p. 37). A reexamination of an organization´s current mission and
objectives must be made before alternative strategies can be generated and evaluated (Wheelen and Hunger,
2012, p. 205). Furthermore, the concept of competitive advantage must be the strategic choice of the
organization, it must indicate unique opportunities for itself in the district of its choice and the characteristics of
its products are individual so that it enjoys a strong competitive position. It may choose a large market share to
control the markets and determine the shape of competition. It might choose to present the best products and
services. (Dobson et al, 2004, p.9).
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quality of governmental services. The research recommended applying the principle of fair opportunities in the
appointment of senior positions in senior Palestinian public positions.
Nashappi et al., (2014) tested the impact of strategic planning on the quality of service Nashappi et al., (2014)
did a research about “Attributes That Influence Customer Satisfaction with Service Quality at Kenya Power
Company", which aimed at establishing the critical service quality attributes and evaluating the factors leading to
customer satisfaction as well as assess the challenges customers face in obtaining quality service from KP. The
researchers used a descriptive research and a stratified random sample of 125 people, they collected data by
using a structured questionnaire. The study findings indicated that most customers were satisfied with the
attributes of tangibility and assurance. The customers were not satisfied with the service aspects of reliability and
responsiveness of the organization as well as with notification of impending outages. The researchers
recommended that the organization ought to check solving its customer claims and find a technique for
following customer satisfaction. The organization has to set up an efficient technique to follow on its products
and services.
Salkić, (2014 define the impact of strategic planning on the management of public organizations by knowing and
determining the way and how strategic planning leads to manage public organizations with more responsibility
in Bosnia and Herzegovina. An empirical study was undertaken in public organizations in Bosnia and
Herzegovina, Questionnaires were sent by e-mail to the respondents - senior managers of public organizations
were selected for the sample. A specific application was used to gather answers. The findings of the research
point out that using of strategic planning in public institutions allow more logical, effective and successful
management of organizational resources and implementation of strategic planning in public organizations in
Bosnia and Herzegovina assists directors to direct public organizations in a more accountable way.
Al-Shikh (2014) study aimed to know the impact of strategic planning on banking services in Sudan and the
extent of correlation between strategic planning and the quality of banking processes with its various dimensions:
tangibility, reliability, response, security and sympathy. The researcher used the questionnaire to collect
information. The study found significant results, which is that the quality of service in banks exist in four
dimensions, strategic planning more closely associated with the response and security, and less correlated with
other dimensions of empathy and tangibility, the study recommended that senior management should put in their
strategic plans programs about how to provide service to customers and to take into consideration the dimensions
of quality.
3. Methodology
This chapter contains and discusses the research methodology that used to conduct the research results. It
clarifies the data collection method and sample selection. Moreover, it describes the manner of research
questionnaire design and verifies the validity and reliability of research questionnaire. This chapter also
identifies the study measurement tools and statistical approaches that used in the study. The researcher used the
analytical descriptive method, where she returned to the previous literature on the subject to clarify the
theoretical background of the study. The data were then analyzed and processed statistically to extract and
compare the results.
3.1 Data Collection
Data collection is the process of collecting the required data for the selected group in the research (Statistics
Canada, 2010, p. 37). The sources of data collection in this study were the primary data and secondary data.
Primary Data:The main source of data to be used in this study is the questionnaire. The questionnaire design
defined as an outline for data collection, measurement, and analysis as its function is providing a collection of
relevant evidence. This method is common in collecting information, it is being adopted by specific individuals,
research workers, private and public institutions and even by governments (Kothari,2004, p. 96). A questionnaire
is a data collection tool consisting of a group of questions for the aim of collecting data from respondents. The
questionnaire was developed by Sir Francis Galton (Abawi, 2013). The current study aims to examine the impact
of strategic planning in Jenin municipality on the quality of service provided to citizens. Based on the literature
and previous studies, a questionnaire was designed to collect data about the subject by the researcher, to answer
research questions and to test its hypothesis.
Secondary Data: Which is the data that collected by other researchers that originally collected for other schooling
purposes, as: journals, books, bulletins, textbooks, scientific articles, newspapers, periodicals. etc.
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Figure 4. illustrate the Impact of Strategic Planning in Palestinian Municipalities on the Quality of Service
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Questionnaire Validity
The questionnaire passed through several steps before distributing the final version to the target respondents, the
questionnaire has been reviewed and verified by specialized arbitrators and academics who have experience. It
sent to seven evaluators and the researcher supervisor to evaluate each item/question and its consistency to reach
the main objectives of the study. See Appendix (2). The questionnaire was examined in a pilot study on a sample
of (30) respondents from two municipalities (Ya'bad and Arrabah) in Jenin Governorate.
Questionnaire Reliability
The researcher verified the reliability statistics for the fields scale to calculate the coefficient of stability through
the equation (Cronbach's Alpha), where the value of the stability factor on the overall fields according to the
equation Cronbach's Alpha (0.968), whereas the acceptable Alpha value that meets the statistical requirement for
the instrument to be characterized as reliable should be equal or above is (0.70) according to Tavakol, M.&
Dennick, R. (2011).Therefore, the measurement model is proved to be adequate, as shown in Table (1):
Table 1. Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of consistency for the Tool
Field No. of Items Cronbach's Alpha
Vision 4 0.854
Mission 4 0.857
Objectives 4 0.906
Strategic Choices 3 0.871
Strategic Planning 15 0.958
Tangibles 9 0.839
Reliability 5 0.829
Responsiveness 5 0.885
Empathy 6 0.799
Assurance 5 0.877
Quality of Services 30 0. 947
3.4 Study Procedures
The researcher carried out the following procedures:
Access to literature and previous studies related to the study.
Preparation of study tools include building a tool to determine the reality of academic difficulties and future
directions.
Arbitration of the study tools by the competent arbitrators and the introduction of their amendments.
Obtaining a letter to facilitate the research mission from the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the Arab
American University and obtain official permission from the Municipality of Jenin to apply the study to the staff
of the Municipality of Jenin and meet those who are asked to serve the research objectives (see Appendix 3).
Apply the study tool (the questionnaire) to the study sample.
Monitoring and analyzing results in special tables.
Presenting, discussing and making recommendations in light of the results.
3.5 Measurement
The impact of adopting Jenin municipal strategic planning on the quality of services provided to citizens in Jenin
city is measured using a five-point Likert scale- Level of Agreement (Vagias, 2006) which consists of five items
ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).
3.6 Population and Sample
The study population consists of (140) office staff of Jenin Municipality, (28) of them are women representing
(20%) of the staff. The number of employees is classified as follows: (9) department directors, (29) heads of
division/section and (102) classified as employees. The questionnaire was distributed to all members of the study
sample as shown in Table (4).
The minimum sample of the study consisted of (103) employees, (120) questionnaires were distributed, (114)
questionnaires were retrieved and (6) cases were (missing cases). A minimum sample was chosen according to
Steven K. Thompson formula, (Thompson, S. K. 2006).
4. Study Results
In order to achieve the main objective of this study "the impact of strategic planning in the Palestinian
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municipalities on the quality of service provided to citizens "Jenin Municipality: Case Study ", the data was
collected by a questionnaire from the field (Jenin municipality) and analyzed statistically. This chapter presents
the data analyses and the findings of the study. In addition to the participants' profile, the answers to the study
questions and testing the hypotheses.
As shown in the table (2), out of a total of 114 respondents: the males represent 85.1% of the sample while
female represents only 14.9%.
Table 2. Demographic distribution of respondents
Variable Frequency Percentage
Gender Male 97 85.1%
Female 17 14.9%
Total 114 100%
Academic qualification Secondary 43 37.7%
Diploma 20 17.5%
bachelor's 48 42.1%
master's or higher 3 2.6%
Total 114 100%
Age group less than 25 years 3 2.6%
25-35 31 27.2%
36-45 38 33.3%
greater than 45 42 36.8%
Total 114 100%
Job Status Employee 79 69.3%
Head of Division/Section 26 22.8%
Director 9 7.9%
Total 114 100%
Years of Experience less than 3 years 6 5.3%
3-6 years 8 7.0%
7-10 years 12 10.5%
more than 10 years 88 77.2%
Total 114 100%
4.1 Results of the First Question
This section will answer the study questions, from the perspective of the employees of Jenin municipality to
identify the current status of strategic planning in Jenin municipality and the quality of service provided to
citizens.
“What is the degree of the available strategic planning in Jenin municipality?”
Table 3. Statistical Means, standard deviations and percentage of strategic planning factors according to
respondents' responses
No. Field Mean Standard % Degree
Deviations
1 Vision 2.63 0.97 52.7 Moderate
2 Mission 2.59 0.97 51.8 Moderate
3 Objectives 2.67 1.03 53.4 Moderate
4 Strategic Choices 2.60 1.05 52.0 Moderate
Strategic Planning 2.62 0.93 52.5 Moderate
Results shows that the mean of the Strategic Planning is (2.62) with a standard deviation of (0.93), with about
(42.9%). This indicates that the strategic planning is moderate from the point of view of respondents. This
applies to all the four factors with a simple difference. This means that the employees have little information
about the reality of strategy in their workplace, as shown in the tables: from (7-10). Results shows the value of
each item in the field "vision", it indicates that the item:" The municipality has a clear and understandable vision
for citizens " has the highest score among the items, with mean value of (2.80) out of five, (56.0%) agree with
Standard Deviations is (1.17). By contrast, the item "Vision takes into account the capabilities and competencies
available in the municipality and expected obstacles." has the lowest score among the items with a mean value of
(2.35) out of five. In general, the "Vision" field classified as a " Moderate" degree within all its items. The
findings pointed that the Vision of the municipality should take into account the capabilities and competencies
available in the municipality and expected obstacles. Results shows the value of each item in the field "Mission",
it indicates that the item:"The municipality's current mission is consistent with its activities" has the highest
score among the items, with mean value of (2.66) out of five, (53.2%) agree with Standard Deviations is (1.13).
By contrast, the item "I participate in developing the municipal mission." has the lowest score among the items
with mean value of (2.46) out of five. In general, the "Mission" field classified as a "Moderate" degree within all
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its items. The results pointed that most of employees didn‟t participate in developing the municipal mission.
result shows that the mean of the total score for Objectives' field is (2.67) with a standard deviation of (1.03) and
has (53.4%). This indicates that the Objectives' field is Moderate from the point of view of respondents, and this
applies to all the four items. It indicates that the item:" The municipality has long-term goals." has the highest
score among the items, with a mean value of (2.81) out of five, (56.1%) agree with Standard Deviations is (1.18).
By contrast, the item "The objectives are developed with the participation of all parties responsible for their
implementation." has the lowest score among the items with mean value of (2.60) out of five. In general, the "
Objectives" field classified as a " Moderate" degree within all its items. The results show that not all responsible
parties participate in developing objectives. Result shows that the value of each item in the field " Strategic
Choices' ", it indicates that the item:" The municipality works on implementing its plans." has the highest score
among the items, with mean value of (2.69) out of five, (53.9%) agree with Standard Deviations is (1.17), while
the item "The municipality develops strategic choices to treat the issues it faces." has the lowest score among the
items with mean value of (2.53) out of five. In general, the "Strategic Choices'" field classified as a " Moderate"
degree within all its items.
4.2 Results of the Second Question
“What is the level of the quality of service provided to citizens in Jenin municipality?” Based on the statistical
means, standard deviations and percentage of quality dimensions, as shown in table 4, it displays that the overall
of these dimensions was high.
Table 4. Statistical Means, standard deviations and percentage of the "quality of service" Dimension according to
respondents' responses
No. Field Mean Standard % Degree
Deviations
1 Tangibles 3.29 0.73 65.8 Moderate
2 Reliability 2.92 0.90 58.4 Moderate
3 Responsiveness 2.93 0.94 58.6 Moderate
4 Empathy 3.25 0.79 65.0 Moderate
5 Assurance 2.68 0.96 53.6 Moderate
Quality of Service 3.06 0.71 61.2 Moderate
As shown in table (4) also, the value of each field in the quality of service dimensions, indicates that the field:"
Tangibles" has the highest score, with mean value of (3.29) out of five, (65.8%) agree with standard deviations is
(0.73), while the field "Security" has the lowest score among the items with mean value of (2.68) out of five. In
general, the "Quality of Service Dimension" classified as a "Moderate" degree. This explains that the level of
satisfaction of the quality of the services provided by the municipality which is measurable by employees was
moderate, and the result was positive. result shows the value of each item in the field "Tangibles", it indicates that "
The organization and internal arrangement of the citizens' service center provide comfort to the public" has the
highest score among the items, with a mean value of (3.98) out of five, (79.6%) agree. By contrast, "Citizens
benefit from the modern information communication network." has the lowest score among the items with a mean
value of (2.88) out of five. In general, the Tangibles field classified as a "Moderate" degree within the quality of
services with the mean value of (3.29) out of five, (65.8%) agree. It was found that the organization and the internal
arrangement of the Citizen Service Center were appreciated by all employees. In contrast, citizens do not benefit
from the modern communications network. result shows the value of each item in the field "Reliability", it indicates
that " The Municipality announces all data and information relating to the new services" has the highest score
among the items, with a mean value of (3.20) out of five, (64.0%) agree. By contrast, "The municipality provides its
services at the time it promises to do so" has the lowest score among the items with a mean value of (2.44) out of
five. In general, the Reliability field classified as a "Moderate " degree within the quality of service.
This means that all the data and information relating to the new service are announced by the municipality, but
the municipality didn‟t provide its services at the time it promised to do.
result shows the value of each item in the field " Responsiveness", it indicates that " There is a complaint box in
the municipality" has the highest score among the items, with a mean value of 3.11 out of five, 62.1% agree.
While the item " The municipality deals with citizens' complaints as transparently and quickly as possible" has
the lowest score among the items with a mean value of 2.72 out of five. In general, the Responsiveness field
classified as a "Moderate" degree within the quality of services. It is clear that the municipality is interested in
the issue of complaints, and the employees follow up and respond to citizens immediately. While a little effort is
being made for dealing with citizens' complaints as transparently and quickly as possible. result shows the value
of each item in the field " Empathy ", it indicates that " The municipality's work time is suitable for citizens" has
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the highest score among the items, with mean value of (3.80) out of five. While the item "The municipality
follows the citizens' observations with interest" has the lowest score among the items with mean value of (2.79)
out of five. In general, the Empathy field classified as a "Moderate" degree within the quality of service. It is
observed that the work time of the municipality is suitable for citizens, and it is concerned with visitors with
physical disabilities. But it was noted that the municipality does not follow the citizens' comments with
seriousness and interest. result shows the value of each item in the field "Assurance", we noticed that the rate and
all its items were also a Moderate degree, it indicates that " The citizen obtains some services by phone" has the
highest score among the items, with a mean value of (2.99) out of five. By contrast, "The municipality conducts
a periodic assessment of employees to identify their strengths and weaknesses" has the lowest score among the
items with a mean value of (2.22) out of five. The results indicate that the municipality should conduct a periodic
evaluation of employees to identify the employee's strengths and weaknesses.
4.3 Testing Hypotheses
H0.1: There is no significant relationship between the strategic planning factors (vision, mission, objectives,
strategic choices) and the quality of service dimensions (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, security,
assurance) in Jenin municipality at the level α ≤0.05.
The person correlation coefficient test technique was used to test the above hypothesis.
Table 5 shows that the value of Person Correlation between the quality of service and the strategic planning is
(0.760) and significant at (0.000) level between the total value of the quality and the total value of the strategic
planning, also between each factor of them. Pearson correlation matrix among the quality of service and the
strategic planning factors presented that there is a strong significant positive relationship between the total value
of the quality and each of vision, mission, objectives, and strategic choices, where (r =0.695, p < 0.01), (r =.706,
p < 0.01), (r =.703, p < 0.01), and (r =.706, p < 0.01) respectively.
Table 5. Correlation Coefficients among Quality of Service Dimensions and Strategic Planning Factors
Factors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Vision 1
Mission .811** 1
Objectives .835** .813** 1
Strategic Choices .787** .763** .800** 1
Tangibles .453** .427** .452** .522** 1
Reliability .738** .719** .720** .682** .533** 1
Responsiveness .631** .663** .593** .620** .457** .799** 1
Empathy .582** .632** .602** .546** .484** .744** .787** 1
Assurance .588** .609** .658** .641** .559** .753** .779** .690** 1
Quality .695** .706** .703** .706** .755** .885** .879** .856** .880** 1
Strategic .933** .920** .939** .897** .498** .776** .679** .642** .675** .760** 1
**: confidence level at 0.01.
This indicates that the results support the alternative hypothesis to reject H0 and accept the alternative hypothesis
that says "there is a significant relationship between the strategic planning factors (vision, mission, objectives,
strategic choices) and the quality of service dimensions (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, security,
assurance) in Jenin municipality at the level α ≤0.05". It is observed that the correlation coefficient between each
indicator in the dimension of strategic planning and each indicator in the dimension of quality of services
provided is significant at the (0.01) level. Moreover, it is observed that the correlation coefficients have positive
signs. This means that the factors of strategic planning and the dimensions of quality of service provided are
positively related.
Moreover, this hypothesis gives the answer of the third question which was: "Is there a relationship between the
strategic planning factors (vision, mission, objectives, strategic choices) and the quality of service dimensions
(tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, security, assurance) in Jenin municipality?"
The Second Hypothesis
H0: There is no significant impact of strategic planning factors (vision, mission, objectives, strategic choices) on
the quality of service dimensions (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, security, assurance) in Jenin
municipality at the level α ≤0.05.
The multiple linear regression techniques are used to test the above hypothesis since we are interested in
investigating the impact of the adopting Jenin municipality the strategic planning factors (vision, mission,
objectives and strategic choices) on the dependent variable (quality of service provided to citizens in Jenin city).
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11- Promote quality culture and encourage employees to participate in continuous improvement processes and
opportunities for creativity and innovation;
12- Furthermore, other similar studies are recommended and the quality of service to be assessed from the
perspective of the citizens who receive the service because they are the most capable of evaluating it.
Finally, the researcher hopes that the results of this study will benefit Jenin municipality and other Palestinian
Municipalities to provide more attention to linking strategic planning with service quality and to consider the
recommendations above.
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