The Synoptic Model of Strategic Planning and the GPRA: Lacking a Good Fit with the Political Context

Embedded in the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) is one model of strategic planning--the synoptic approach--and the assumption that the synoptic model of strategic planning fits all situations and bureaus no matter what their context or situation. This article documents the many challen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Public productivity & management review 2000-03, Vol.23 (3), p.297-311
Main Author: Roberts, Nancy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Business management
Corporate strategies
Executive branch
Featured Topic: Implementing Performance Government
Government
Government budgets
Job performance indicators
Performance metrics
Public administration
Strategic planning
United States government publications
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Summary:Embedded in the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) is one model of strategic planning--the synoptic approach--and the assumption that the synoptic model of strategic planning fits all situations and bureaus no matter what their context or situation. This article documents the many challenges and problems that agencies have experienced as they attempt to implement the GPRA and posits that many of these difficulties can be linked to the strategic planning model that is being used. To sustain the GPRA and prevent erosion of its basic intent, the article recommends that policy makers consider the use of alternative models of strategic planning, in particular, the strategic issues approach. The article summarizes the advantages of the model and recommends that the GPRA allow executives some flexibility in choosing strategic planning approaches that fit their situations.
ISSN:1044-8039
DOI:10.2307/3380721