Strategic Management and Operational Efficiency in UAE Police: The Mediating Impact of Risk Management on Sustainability Goals

This study investigates the mediating role of Risk Management (RM) in the relationship between Strategic Management (SM) and Operational Efficiency (OE) for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UAE Police. Despite increasing emphasis on sustainability and performance-driven governance in public sector institutions, limited empirical evidence exists regarding how strategic management translates into operational and sustainability outcomes through structured risk governance mechanisms. The primary objective of this research is to develop and empirically validate an integrated governance framework that explains how strategic management dimensions enhance operational efficiency and sustainability performance through risk management mediation. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were collected from 383 personnel across Abu Dhabi Police, Dubai Police, and Sharjah Police using proportionate stratified random sampling from a total population of 92,000 employees. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine direct and indirect relationships among Strategic Management dimensions, Risk Management, Operational Efficiency, and Sustainable Development Goals. Reliability and validity assessments confirmed the robustness of the measurement model. The findings reveal that Strategic Capability and Strategic Action significantly strengthen Risk Management, which in turn enhances Operational Efficiency. Operational Efficiency demonstrates a strong positive effect on Sustainable Development Goals, confirming that sustainability performance is operationally embedded rather than planning-driven. The mediation analysis further indicates that Risk Management functions as a critical transmission mechanism between strategy execution and operational performance. This study contributes to knowledge by advancing an execution-centered governance framework that integrates strategic capability, risk governance, and operational systems as drivers of sustainability outcomes in public policing institutions. The findings provide theoretical enrichment across RBV, dynamic capabilities, and public value theory, while offering practical guidance for risk-integrated strategic governance in public sector organizations.

Risk Management, Strategic Management, Operational Efficiency

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