Thinking and Acting Strategically.

The readings elucidate key factors that help in the success of an organization . They tackle on the importance of strategic thinking and planning , as well as steps in using the Strategy Change Cycle . It is obvious that when a company or organization improves or wants to adapt to change in its environment , it must change itself within and without There are numerous factors that contribute for this change result but the readings encapsulated these factors into a concise summary of all enabling these to explain the processes and the relation between strategic

planning and change efforts undertaken by a certain organization

Citing some authors , John Bryson (2004 ,

. 65 ) wrote that every strategic planning effort is in effect a drama that must have a correct setting themes plots and subplots actors scenes a beginning , a middle , and a conclusion and interpretation . I observed that this interrelatedness of different factors with different organizational subject will tend to add to the complexity of an organization 's processed and structure , hence there is always a need to plan ahead strategically , in a practical and logical manner . To support the cited statement by Bryson , Roger Kaufman , et al (2003 ) added , in an aptly stated lines , that strategic thinking always involves change , and often profound personal change . It often requires your present paradigms and your ways of thinking , relating , and performing . It is imagining the results you want to achieve in the future , it is practical dreaming .creating an ideal future by defining and achieving results that add value

Planning for a future change needs the contribution regarding efforts made of all members of a certain organization or company . Hence , each one of these employees /members should be informed of their individual tasks to contribute specifically to the organization . One way to attain this is by doing a checklist for assessing strategic change , recommended by Roger Kaufman , et . al . In this way , one can assess whether the change being considered is strategic or tactical /operational . Of course , once that the assessment phase is already done , it should not be let that way , stuck at that , rather the information provided by the assessment should be included as one of the primary managerial tools in deciding to pursue a change in the organization

There are many ideas elaborated in the readings , yet the most important one , I think , is paradigm shift . Usually , an individual hesitates to move out of his /her comfort zone because of the fear of uncertainty . One may ask the question why would I go out and pursue an uncertain future when I am provided now , in comfort , with the best things by my present position ' Development comes with it change . Therefore , it is simply logical that if one doesn 't want to change and just sulks in his /her own comfort , he will not improve but will be stuck forever in his present condition . Strategic planning assists in alleviating the transition from the present state to a more improved one . Hence , strategic planning provides the basic directions and rationale for determining where an organization should head and provides the specifications against which any organization may best decide what to do and how to do it (Kaufman , et . al , 2003 ) It is added also that it is a process for creating and describing a better future in measurable terms and the selection of the best means to achieve the results desired

The readings gave emphasis also on the relationship of organizations to the society . Organizations are created with the end that they will meet customer demands , provide service , and assistance . That is why , one of the aims when strategic planning is to be done is to have in mind the welfare of the society

One focus here in the readings is about two classes of organizations public and non-profit organizations . Each one has different functions but all these intersect into a common purpose , and that is to serve society . As society changes every time , so should the strategies and plans enabling an organization to meet the farmer 's needs . John Bryson (2003 ,

.64 ) commented on his book that the Strategy Change Cycle is not over once strategies and plans have been implemented . Ongoing strategic management of strategy implementation must ensue to take account of likely changes in circumstances , to ensure that strategies continue to create public value , and as a prelude to the next round of strategic planning . Times change , situations change , and coalitions change Strategies that work must be maintained , and protected through vigilance , adaptability , and updated plans . Doing so is particularly important when networks are needed for successful strategy implementation

It is particularly important that every now and then , organizations should do an assessment of their present position in terms of personnel skills , capabilities , products or services relative to other organization in to go with the flow of change . With this , the organization will not be left behind

ABSTRACT

Organizations are created with the end purpose of serving the society at large . Hence , strategic thinking and planning must be done to evaluate how organizations can meet these needs . One tool which is reliable and effective in this endeavor is the Strategic Change Cycle , which gives background , factors and step-by-step solution in the strategic planning process

As society changes , the strategic plans also must change and conform to these changes , so that each one of them moves in rhythm with each other And in the long run , both the organization and the society will benefit in the process

Sources

Bryson , John M (2004 , Strategic Planning for Public and Non-Profit Organizations A Guide to Strengthening and Sustaining Organizational Achievement . 3rd ed . San Francisco California , Jossey-Bass , a Wiley Imprint , 2004

2 ) Kaufman , Roger . Et al (2003 , Strategic Planning for Success Aligning People , Performance and Payoffs . San Francisco , California Jossey-Bass /Pfeiffer , a Wiley Imprint , 2004 ...