The previous post was about “Vision, purpose, mission and values”, those are the high-level aspirations of the organization. The next level is strategy and then tactics.
In the realm of planning and decision-making, the concepts of “strategic” and “tactical” are frequently used but often misunderstood. While both terms are essential for achieving organizational goals, they serve distinct purposes and require different approaches. Let’s delve into the nuances of strategic versus tactical, exploring their definitions, associated processes, relationship, and real-life examples.
1.Definitions:
Strategic:
Strategic decisions are high-level, long-term choices that set the direction and overarching objectives of an organization. These decisions involve allocating resources, identifying competitive advantages, and positioning the organization within its environment.
Tactical:
Tactical decisions, on the other hand, are short-term actions or plans designed to implement the broader strategic goals. They focus on specific tasks, operations, or initiatives aimed at achieving immediate objectives.
2. Associated Processes
Strategic Processes: strategic planning typically involves extensive research, analysis, and forecasting. It encompasses activities such as environmental scanning, SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats), goal setting, and resource allocation. Strategic decisions often require input from top-level executives and consideration of long-term implications.
Tactical Processes: tactical planning is more operational and involves detailed execution plans to accomplish strategic objectives. This includes activities like project management, budgeting, task delegation, and performance monitoring. Tactical decisions are made by mid-level and frontline managers who focus on implementing strategies efficiently and adapting to immediate challenges.
We will continue with this post next week.
Heart of Management 
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