The Role of the Administrative Organizational Structure in Supporting the Efficiency of Strategic Planning Implementation: A Field Study on the Oil and Gas Sector in Libya

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the role of the administrative organizational structure across its various dimensions (centralization, formalization, specialization, and span of control) in supporting and enhancing the efficiency of strategic planning implementation through its dimensions (translating strategic objectives, organizational coordination and communication, resource allocation and direction, and monitoring, follow-up, and evaluation) within companies operating in the oil and gas sector in Libya. The study adopted the descriptive-analytical approach, where the study population consisted of employees and administrative leaders in the sector. The sample size reached (200) valid responses suitable for statistical analysis. A questionnaire was used as the primary tool for data collection, alongside descriptive and inferential statistical methods (arithmetic means, standard deviations, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis) to test the hypotheses.

The results showed that the sample members' level of perception regarding the dimensions of the organizational structure and the efficiency of strategic planning implementation was high, with an overall mean of (3.68) for both. Furthermore, correlation tests proved the existence of a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between the flexibility of the organizational structure and the requirements of implementing the various stages of strategic planning. Multiple regression analysis confirmed a statistically significant and substantive effect of the administrative organizational structure dimensions combined in enhancing the efficiency of strategic planning implementation; the organizational structure explained (54.8%) of the variance in strategic planning efficiency, leading to the acceptance of the main hypothesis of the study.

In light of these findings, the study recommended that oil companies conduct periodic reviews of their organizational structures to increase flexibility and reduce bureaucracy, allocate and direct strategic resources efficiently according to operational priorities, and automate and develop strategic monitoring and evaluation systems using live dashboard indicators and advanced performance management systems.