The effect of participative strategic planning process on job satisfaction: the experience of local government agencies

Abstract

Strategic planning has been emphasized in the public sector to enhance govemment performance and accountability. However, little empirical research exists on participative management in strategic planning and its impact on employees' job satisfaction in govemment agencies. This study explores the relationships between employees' perceived input in strategic plan development, knowledge of the strategic plan, role clarity in strategic planning, and job satisfaction in local govemment agencies. The results of multiple regression analysis demonstrate that employees who perceive they have input in a department's strategic plan development express higher levels of job satisfaction than others who do not. The present study also supports the view that employees' clear understanding of their roles in accomplishing the goals in strategic plan is positively associated with job satisfaction. In this regard, organizational leaders' commitment to participative management and empowerment in the process of strategic planning should be emphasized in the public sector.