Standing plans are a crucial component of organizational planning, providing guidance and support for achieving long-term goals and objectives. These plans are designed to address recurring decisions and actions, ensuring consistency, unity, and efficiency within the organization.
Key Facts
- Purpose: Standing plans are created to meet the needs of recurring decisions and actions in an organization. They provide guidance and support for achieving organizational goals and objectives.
- Examples: Common examples of standing plans include policies, procedures, and regulations. These plans help foster unity, fairness, and consistency within an organization.
- Long-term use: Standing plans are intended to be used over a long period of time, sometimes indefinitely. They are designed to be applied repeatedly to address recurring situations or issues.
- Flexibility: Standing plans are not set in stone and can be modified or adjusted as circumstances change. They allow organizations to adapt and improve their processes based on evolving needs and challenges.
- Coordination and delegation: Standing plans contribute to coordination within an organization by providing a set of established rules and procedures. They enable senior employees to delegate work confidently, knowing that the necessary guidelines are already in place.
Purpose of Standing Plans
Standing plans serve several key purposes within an organization:
- Consistency and UnityStanding plans promote consistency and unity by establishing standardized procedures and guidelines for employees to follow. This helps to ensure that tasks are performed in a uniform manner, fostering a sense of order and predictability.
- Facilitate DelegationStanding plans enable senior employees to confidently delegate work to subordinates, as the necessary rules and procedures are already established. This delegation helps to improve efficiency and productivity by freeing up managers to focus on more strategic tasks.
- AdaptabilityWhile standing plans are designed for long-term use, they are not static. They can be modified or adjusted as circumstances change, allowing organizations to adapt and improve their processes based on evolving needs and challenges.
Examples of Standing Plans
Common examples of standing plans include:
- PoliciesPolicies are broad guidelines that provide direction for employees on how to conduct themselves and make decisions. They cover a wide range of topics, such as hiring and firing, employee conduct, and safety procedures.
- ProceduresProcedures are step-by-step instructions that outline how specific tasks should be performed. They ensure that tasks are completed consistently and efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and omissions.
- RegulationsRegulations are rules that define what is allowed and what is prohibited within an organization. They help to maintain order and discipline, and ensure that employees are aware of the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
Long-term Use and Flexibility
Standing plans are intended to be used over a long period of time, sometimes indefinitely. They are designed to be applied repeatedly to address recurring situations or issues. However, this does not mean that standing plans are set in stone. They can be modified or adjusted as circumstances change, allowing organizations to adapt and improve their processes based on evolving needs and challenges.
Conclusion
Standing plans are an essential part of effective organizational planning. They provide guidance and support for achieving long-term goals and objectives, ensuring consistency, unity, and efficiency within the organization. By establishing clear policies, procedures, and regulations, standing plans help organizations to operate smoothly and effectively, adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining a sense of order and predictability.
References
- Principles of Management. (n.d.). Lumen Learning. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-principlesofmanagement/chapter/reading-types-of-plans-and-common-planning-tools/
- Githure, K. (2022, June 6). 6 Differences Between Single-Use and Standing Plans Explained. Bplans Blog. https://articles.bplans.com/single-use-vs-standing-plans-explained/
- Palmer, J. (2019, November 5). Define Single Use and Standing Plans for Business. Chron.com. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/define-single-use-standing-plans-business-12445.html
FAQs
What is a standing plan?
A standing plan is a long-term plan that is designed to be used repeatedly to address recurring decisions and actions within an organization. It provides guidance and support for achieving organizational goals and objectives.
What are some examples of standing plans?
Common examples of standing plans include policies, procedures, and regulations. Policies provide broad guidelines for employee conduct and decision-making, procedures outline step-by-step instructions for performing specific tasks, and regulations define what is allowed and prohibited within the organization.
What is the purpose of a standing plan?
Standing plans serve several purposes, including promoting consistency and unity, facilitating delegation of work, and enabling adaptability to changing circumstances. They help to ensure that tasks are performed in a uniform manner, empower managers to delegate confidently, and allow organizations to adjust their processes as needed.
How are standing plans different from single-use plans?
Standing plans are designed for long-term use and are applied repeatedly to address recurring situations, while single-use plans are created to address specific, one-time projects or events. Standing plans provide ongoing guidance and support, while single-use plans are completed once the project or event is finished.
Can standing plans be modified?
Yes, standing plans are not set in stone and can be modified or adjusted as circumstances change. Organizations can review and update their standing plans to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in light of evolving needs and challenges.
What are the benefits of having standing plans in an organization?
Standing plans offer several benefits, including improved consistency and unity, facilitated delegation of work, increased efficiency and productivity, and enhanced adaptability to changing circumstances. They help to streamline operations, reduce errors, and create a sense of order and predictability within the organization.
Who is responsible for creating and implementing standing plans?
Typically, middle- and upper-level management are responsible for creating and implementing standing plans. They have a broader perspective of the organization’s goals and objectives and can develop plans that align with these goals.
How can standing plans contribute to the overall success of an organization?
Standing plans contribute to the overall success of an organization by providing a clear framework for decision-making and action. They help to ensure that all employees are working towards the same goals and objectives, and that tasks are performed in a consistent and efficient manner. Standing plans also facilitate effective delegation of work and enable organizations to adapt to changing circumstances, ultimately enhancing overall performance and competitiveness.