Various internal or external influences may influence an executive director at a drug addiction treatment center to engage in strategic planning. For instance, some internal influence may be that the agency is facing economic woes, whether it is inadequate budgeting or reduction in clients, and will need to reevaluate its budget or operations. Alternatively, if the agency’s budget is exceeding expectations then the agency may have new opportunities to provide more services to a specific population or to multiple populations. The new services could be providing co-occurring mental health treatment or providing distinct mental health and substance abuse treatment. Also, there may be a high …show more content…
In addition, there may be new opportunities to collaborate with community partners in providing services. However, other community agencies may be competition, which in turn will require strategic planning. Most importantly, if the population being served demands that the agency changes its practices, then an executive director should engage in strategic planning (Patti, 2008).
Whether it is internal or external influences, strategic planning is forward looking and a long-term commitment. Strategic planning creates direction for the agency, its employees, and volunteers (Patti, 2008).
Triggers
Again, any of the aforementioned internal or external factors may be triggers to engage in strategic planning. Most likely, the organizational climate and employees’ job satisfaction are the top reasons to engage in strategic planning (Claiborne et al., 2013).
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
A major strength the agency possesses is that it provides services year round to clients. Also, this agency works with a specific population and can tailor services to them. Years of providing service to a specific population helps refines the therapeutic modalities and allows for repeated program evaluations. In addition, the agency provides specific certified counselors to deal with specific addictions …show more content…
The agency makes only a small fraction of revenue from out-of-pocket fees. Additionally, the board of directors is a weakness because, ultimately, the agency is responsible to the board instead of the clients. This weakness is exposed through the agency’s mission, vision, and the duty to the board. Furthermore, the agency does not engage in meaningful advocacy or with community partners. Lastly, the agency should be transparent about its operations to both clients and staff bolstering its communication skills about goals, expectations, and directions. The lack of communication is a weakness that may influence the organization’s climate (Claiborne et al.,