Strategic plan implementation in the state welfare organization: challenges and solutions

Strategic planning has a critical role in achieving competitive advantage for non-for-profit social organizations. However, some strategic plans are failing. This study aimed to identify and to explore the challenges regarding implementing strategic plans in the state welfare (Behzisti) organization, Iran.

The present case study was conducted using the qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 30 managers and employees of state welfare organization and its Tehran branch. Framework analysis method was used for data analysis. Ethical issues such as university ethics committee approval, informed consent, voluntary participation, participants’ anonymity, information confidentiality and researchers’ objectivity in data collection, as well as analysis and reporting were all considered.

Overall, 27 strategic plan implementation challenges were identified. These challenges were grouped into seven themes, including leadership and management, planning, organizational culture, organizational learning, employees’ management, resources management and external factors. Lack of justification for strategic planning, insufficient senior managers’ commitment and support, lack of systems thinking, high managers’ turnover, inflexibility of strategic plan, unrealistic operational plans, insufficient education and training, staffs shortage and their heavy workloads, low employees’ involvement in strategic plan implementation, resource shortage, insufficient budget and high inflation rate were among those important strategic plan implementation challenges.

Managers at welfare organization are facing challenges in implementing the strategic plan. A strong leadership and management, proper planning, sufficient education and training, a culture of teamwork, creativity, responsiveness and accountability and effective management of employees, resources and processes are required to implement the strategic plan effectively.