Applying Private-Sector Strategic Planning in the Public Sector

Abstract

Strategic planning is important and probably will become a standard part of the repertoire of public planners. Nevertheless, strategic planning approaches developed in the private sector must be applied with care and caution to public purposes. The authors compare and contrast six approaches to private-sector strategic planning within the context of a public-sector strategic planning process. They discuss the public-sector applicability of each of the private-sector approaches and explore the contingencies or conditions that govern its successful use in the public sector.