STRATEGIC PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN AND MATERIAL RESOURCES IN PUBLIC ORGANIZATION

AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Strategic planning is a process of looking into the future and identifying trends and issues against which to align organizational priorities of the sector. Most formal organizations develop strategic plans to guide the delivery of an overall mandate and direct multiple streams of work. In the public organization, strategic planning implies the use of strategies to develop mechanisms to utilize available resources under the circumstances and risks that threaten the organization in achieving its stated goals; this is because the delivery of goods and services for the public purposes symbolizes an effective management of human and material resources. However, this paper views management as a means of running public organization along the desired needs of the society; while handling human and material resources and integrate them into a fruitful whole. The paper argues that public organization is established for providing quality basic amenities/services for the public with beneath intent of making life better whereas strategic management of human and material resources will ensure accomplishment of the organizational goals and objectives. In this wise, the paper maintains that the management is in charge of the processes of getting things done through human and material resources in the organization. Stressing further that since the management is vested with the tasks of strategically controlling or administering both human and material resources in accordance with effective managerial skills, and if management is the organization and coordination of the organizational activities/programmes in order to achieve the stated objectives; then this paper focuses on the concept of strategic planning, management as related to the public organization, human and material resources in the organization, as well as nexus between strategic planning and management of human and material resources in public organization. It was therefore concluded that strategic planning and management of human and material resources has become a viable tool for ensuring attainment of organizational objectives in public sector. Among others, it was recommended that the management of public organizational should be strategic in handling human resources to favour the organizational survival and better service delivery for the populace.