Planning is the most common activity of management in any organization. Planning sets direction for all employees to follow in order to achieve certain objectives and goals. Plans are the basic guidelines that serve as the reference for the future of an organization. "Planning is the conscious, systematic process of making decisions about goals and activities that an individual, group, work unit, or organization will pursue in the future" (Bateman & Snell, 2004). Plans should be consistant with the organization's overall mission statement and there should be an ongoing set of activities to help accomplish this. This paper will evaluate the planning function of management in the Spokane Public School district and how ethics, corporate social responsibility and legal issues impact management within the public schools.
Planning Function
Spokane Public Schools strives to develop the skills and talents of all students within the district. This entails having a strategic plan in place so that the school district is better able to meet the goals and objectives that have been established.
English: analysis for Wikimedia foundation strateg...
Wikimedia Strategic Plan cover image
English: Strategic Plan Español: Plan Estratégic...It is the job of the board of directors, educational staff, and the community to be involved in the planning and implementing the strategic plan that is set forth by the school district. Because of the teamwork that is involved this has brought forth recognition to the Spokane Public School District as one of excellence across the state and the nation. "Most significantly we are uncoupling the link between poverty and low student achievement" (Strategic Plan, 2004). The goal to have "all" students achieve at higher levels is still an ongoing process. The strategic plan is made up of individuals who represent Spokane Education Association, and administrators. This group does a thorough analysis of the school system's performance and reports back to the board of directors so that changes can...