2. TOPICS:
Rationale of Strategic Planning
Purposes & Functions of Strategic Planning
Advantages of Strategic Planning Functions
Limitations of Strategic Planning Functions
Summary
3. RATIONALE OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
1. Alignment with Public Priorities
ensures that government agencies are aligned with the priorities and
needs of the public they serve. It helps define clear goals and
objectives that address societal challenges and meet citizen
expectations.
2. Resource Allocation
Public administration often faces resource constraints. Strategic
planning enables agencies to prioritize and allocate resources
effectively, ensuring that taxpayer funds are used efficiently and in
line with strategic goals.
3. Improved Service Delivery
public organizations can identify opportunities to enhance the delivery
of public services, resulting in improved outcomes for citizens. This
includes streamlining processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and
increasing service accessibility.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 3
4. RATIONALE OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
4. Accountability and Transparency
provide a framework for accountability, allowing government agencies
to set performance metrics and measure their progress toward
achieving objectives. Transparency in planning and reporting builds trust
with the public.
5. Innovation and Adaptation
In rapidly changing environments, strategic planning helps public
organizations anticipate and respond to emerging challenges and
opportunities. It promotes a culture of innovation and adaptability.
6. Evidence-Based Decision-Making
encourages the use of data and evidence in decision-making. It
ensures that policies and programs are based on sound research and
analysis, leading to more informed choices.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 4
5. RATIONALE OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
7. Stakeholder Engagement
Public administration involves various stakeholders, including citizens,
elected officials, advocacy groups, and other government agencies.
Strategic planning provides a structured process for involving
stakeholders in decision-making, fostering collaboration and
inclusivity.
8. Risk Management
Government agencies face risks related to financial, legal, political, and
operational matters. Strategic planning includes risk assessment and
mitigation strategies, helping organizations prepare for and address
potential challenges.
9. Long-Term Perspective
Public administration often deals with long-term challenges, such as
infrastructure development, healthcare, and education. Strategic planning
encourages a focus on the future and the development of sustainable
solutions.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 5
6. RATIONALE OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
10.Performance Improvement
By setting specific performance metrics and targets, strategic planning
helps public agencies identify areas where improvements are needed
and track progress over time.
11. Resource Mobilization
A well-developed strategic plan can help government agencies secure
funding and support from various sources, including federal and state
governments, philanthropic organizations, and private sector partners.
12. Legislative and Regulatory Compliance
Public agencies must adhere to laws and regulations. Strategic
planning ensures that organizations are aware of legal requirements and
can develop strategies for compliance.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 6
7. RATIONALE OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
13.Crisis Preparedness
includes contingency planning, enabling public organizations to
respond effectively to crises and emergencies, whether they are
natural disasters or public health emergencies.
14. Citizen-Centered Approach
encourages a focus on citizen needs and feedback, resulting in more
responsive and citizen-centric services and policies.
15. Public Trust and Confidence
Effective strategic planning and its execution can enhance public trust
in government agencies, as it demonstrates a commitment to
achieving tangible results and serving the public interest.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 7
8. PURPOSES OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
1. Direction and Clarity
It helps organizations define their mission, vision, and values, providing
a clear sense of purpose and identity. This clarity guides decision-
making at all levels of the organization.
2. Goal Setting
Strategic planning establishes clear and measurable objectives,
allowing organizations to set priorities and focus their efforts on
achieving specific outcomes.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 8
to provide organizations with a structured and systematic
approach to achieving their goals, managing change,
optimizing resources, and responding to a dynamic
external environment. It serves as a critical
management tool for organizations of all types and sizes.
9. PURPOSES OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
3. Resource Allocation
It enables organizations to allocate resources (financial, human, and
other assets) effectively by aligning them with strategic priorities and
goals.
4. Competitive Advantage
Strategic planning helps organizations assess their competitive
environment, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop
strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market.
5. Adaptation to Change
In a rapidly changing world, strategic planning helps organizations
anticipate and respond to external threats and opportunities. It
promotes a proactive rather than reactive approach.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 9
10. PURPOSES OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
6. Alignment of Efforts
It ensures that all parts of the organization are working in harmony
toward a common purpose and strategic objectives. This alignment
enhances coordination and collaboration among different departments
or units.
7. Risk Management
Strategic planning includes risk assessment and mitigation strategies,
helping organizations prepare for and address potential challenges and
uncertainties.
8. Continuous Improvement
By setting specific performance metrics and regularly reviewing progress,
strategic planning fosters a culture of continuous improvement within
the organization.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 10
11. PURPOSES OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
9. Resource Efficiency
It encourages organizations to focus on key strategic priorities,
avoiding the dispersion of resources and efforts across too many
initiatives.
10.Long-Term Focus
While daily operations are important, strategic planning encourages
organizations to think about the future and invest in activities that will
yield sustainable results.
11.Accountability
Clear goals and performance measures in a strategic plan make it
easier to hold individuals and teams accountable for their contributions to
the organization's success.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 11
12. PURPOSES OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
12. Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic planning often involves engaging stakeholders, including
employees, customers, suppliers, and the community. This fosters
transparency, builds trust, and ensures that diverse perspectives are
considered.
13. Resource Mobilization
A well-developed strategic plan can help organizations secure funding
and support from stakeholders, including investors, donors, and
government agencies.
14. Legislative and Regulatory Compliance
Strategic planning ensures that organizations are aware of legal
requirements and can develop strategies for compliance.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 12
13. PURPOSES OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
15. Crisis Preparedness
Strategic planning includes contingency planning, enabling
organizations to respond effectively to crises and emergencies,
whether they are natural disasters or public health emergencies.
16. Sustainability
It promotes sustainable practices and decisions that take into account
environmental, social, and economic impacts.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 13
14. FUNCTIONS OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
1.Setting Goals and Objectives
Management must set and communicate the organization’s mission
statement, goals, and objectives. This should be done with input from the
board of directors and other stakeholders. Goals should be measurable,
achievable, and relevant to the organization.
2. Analyzing the current state of the organization
Management must assess the current state of the organization and identify
areas of strength and weakness. This process should include gathering
data and feedback from internal and external sources, such as surveys,
interviews, reports, and financial analysis.
3.Assessing the external environment
Management must analyze the external environment to identify
opportunities and threats. This includes studying political, economic,
social, technological, and competitive trends to determine the potential
impact on the organization.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 14
15. FUNCTIONS OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
4. Developing a strategic plan
Management must create a plan to achieve the organization’s goals.
The plan should include strategies, tactics, resource allocation, and a
timeline for implementation.
5. Implementing the strategic plan
Once the plan is created, management must implement it. This includes
organizing resources, assigning tasks and responsibilities, and
monitoring progress.
6. Evaluating and adjusting the plan
Management must regularly evaluate the plan to ensure it is being
followed and that it is achieving the desired results. If necessary,
adjustments can be made to the plan to ensure it is still relevant and
effective.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 15
16. ADVANTAGES OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
FUNCTIONS
1. Clear vision and Objectives
Strategic planning helps to define and communicate a clear vision and
objectives to all stakeholders, ensuring everyone is working towards the
same goal.
2. Improved Efficiency
A well-crafted plan helps to streamline processes, eliminating wasteful
activities and improving overall efficiency.
3. Enhanced Decision-Making
Strategic planning helps to identify and prioritize key decisions, ensuring
that the right decisions are made at the right time.
4. Increased Accountability
A strategic plan provides clarity and direction, making it easier to measure
progress and hold people accountable.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 16
17. ADVANTAGES OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
FUNCTIONS
5. Enhanced Resource Allocation
Strategic planning helps to identify, allocate, and manage resources
effectively, ensuring that the right resources are available for the right
tasks.
6. Improved Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic planning helps to inform and engage stakeholders in the planning
process, allowing for more effective and collaborative decision making.
7. Enhanced Competitiveness
A well-crafted strategic plan can help to differentiate an organization from
its competitors and position it for future success.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 17
18. LIMITATIONS OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
FUNCTIONS
1. Limited Access to Resources
Strategic planning often requires access to significant resources, such
as financial resources, personnel, and technologies. Organizations may not
have the resources available to successfully implement a strategic plan.
2. Difficulty in predicting the future
Strategic planning requires making decisions based on assumptions about
the future. It is difficult to accurately predict the future and this can lead to
decisions that may not be the best for the organization.
3. Limited organizational flexibility
Strategic planning often involves rigid processes and procedures which
can limit the organization’s flexibility in responding to changes in the
external environment.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 18
19. LIMITATIONS OF
STRATEGIC PLANNING
FUNCTIONS
4. Lack of stakeholder involvement
Strategic planning can be limited if stakeholders are not adequately
involved in the process. Without stakeholders’ input, the strategic plan
may not be well-informed or reflective of their needs.
5. Limited success rate
Strategic planning is not a guarantee of success, as it is based on
assumptions and predictions. Organizations may not always achieve the
desired outcomes, making strategic planning a risky endeavor.
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 19
20. SUMMARY
Strategic planning in public administration serves as a
vital tool for aligning government activities with public
priorities, improving service delivery, enhancing
accountability, and ensuring the efficient use of
resources. It helps public organizations navigate
complex challenges and achieve better outcomes for the
communities they serve.
22. REFERENCES
• Strategic Planning Functions. (n.d.). CEOpedia.
https://ceopedia.org/index.php/Strategic_planning_functions
• Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations: A Guide to
Strengthening and Sustaining Organizational Achievement (5th ed.)
Strategic Planning: Concepts, Theories & Practices 22