No strategic-planning program will produce bottom-line results without careful attention to human motivations. This is a highly subjective matter, tied inextricably to the leadership style of the CEO, but two general recommendations apply in almost every case.
First, involve the decision makers. In a decision-oriented planning environment, developing and implementing strategies can only be the responsibility of line managers. This does not mean that the CEO should do away with his planning staff and planning processes. Rather, it means that the output of such staffs and processes should only be an input to top management. It is top management’s responsibility to weigh strategic issues, apply judgment, and make the decisions. Strategic planning may be a staff function, but strategic decision making is the responsibility of the CEO and the top-management team. Several companies have underscored this point by requiring division managers to present and defend their strategies and plans in the absence of their staff planners.