Question

What are the criteria that, if satisfied, make an objective useful in the strategic planning process?

Answer 1

Once an organization has developed its mission statement, its next step is to develop the specific objectives that are focused on achieving that mission. Objectives are the specific measurable results of the initiative. An organization's objectives offer specifics of how much of what will be accomplished by when.

There are three basic types of objectives. They are:

• Behavioral objectives. These objectives look at changing the behaviors of people (what they are doing and saying) and the products (or results) of their behaviors.
• Community-level outcome objectives. These are often the product or result of behavior change in many people.
• Process objectives. These are the objectives that provide the groundwork or implementation necessary to achieve your other objectives

Criteria for making objectives;

DEFINE OR REAFFIRM YOUR VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS

The first thing you will need to do is review the vision and mission statements your organization has developed. Before you determine your objectives, you should have a "big picture" that they fit into.

DETERMINE THE CHANGES TO BE MADE

The crux of writing realistic objectives is learning what changes need to happen in order to fulfill your mission.

In strategic planning, objective should give;

Overall direction

Fit resources and opportunities

Minimizing resistance and barriers

Advancing mission