Strategic planning is the process in which an organization defines how to achieve its objectives using the allocated resources and necessary priorities. Strategic planning is fundamental for non-profit and public organizations as it ensures that there is continued viability and effectiveness. In short, it helps the non-profit and public organizations respond appropriately to new developments and situations. The decisions in a strategic plan center on the mission, mandate and service or product level of an organization or initiative (Bryson, 2011).
In a planning process for a group home for teen boys, initiation and championing process of strategic planning is critical. This helps in identification the purpose of the initiative the preferred steps in the process, membership, roles and commitment of the essential resources in order to proceed with the effort. The viability of this project or initiative is assessed thoroughly at this stage where the pros and cons are considered before undertaking it. The championing of the course by the stakeholders gives it the much needed moral authority to take off (Bryson, 2011). At this stage the SWOT analysis is also carried out in order to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of the non-profit home for boys. In this analysis, strategies will be made to improve on strengths and take advantage of opportunities as it minimizes or overcomes the threats and weaknesses that may hinder the realization of this initiative.
Sponsoring the course of the creation of the non-profit home for boys will ensure legitimacy prevails. The purpose of this step is to clarify and identify the externally imposed informal and formal mandates placed on the organization. For most non-profit organizations, these said mandates are contained in articles of incorporation, regulations and charters. The group or an individual task with the role of legitimizing the venture should be keen to note the prevailing mandates in the environs.
There is need for preliminary analysis of stakeholders work to be done before the right individuals forge effective initial strategic plans. The analysis will enable selection of the right individuals that can ensure the organization remains relevant and responsive to its objectives. The group should be able to asses and monitor progress of the initiative. The group should also look into potential collaborators that may help in the full realization of the initiative be it financially or through moral support (Katsioloudes, 2002). The stakeholder analysis will be key in getting the broader view of the organization: the perceived weaknesses and strengths in terms of resources and the output in terms of the service delivered. The planning group working with the non-profit organization might point out strategic factors that may emerge. These strategic planning factors should be prioritized in terms of timing, feasibility and importance.
There are several ethical considerations that should be considered when working with stakeholders on the non-profit group home for boys. The stakeholders should uphold integrity and the organizations principles. Transparency is crucial in order to avert or minimize cases of mistrust and misunderstanding with other individuals who have a stake in this initiative (Katsioloudes, 2002). The stakeholders should have the knowledge of the laws and regulations that govern the initiative’s environment. This will ensure compliance is maintained averting any illegalities. The stakeholders should be able to articulate the values as the components of a strategy. These values must be real and a clear reflection of what the home for the boys stands for.
References
Bryson, J. (2011). Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations a guide to strengthening and sustaining organizational achievement. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Katsioloudes, M. (2002). Global strategic planning : cultural perspectives for profit and nonprofit organizations. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann.
