Can we apply business tools to NGOs: Expert Blog Devrim Zumrutkaya

Strategic perspective, strategic thinking and strategic planning are three important facts to be managed during the life span of an NGO.

Strategic perspective is a way of being for an NGO. This means that NGOs -like any other corporate organisation-have to make conscious choices to shape or be shaped by change:

1. This involves constantly scanning, reflecting and responding to changes.
2. It is about positioning the NGO in relation to key stakeholders: balancing different stakeholder interests with that of the NGO.
3. It is a process to guide the NGO rather than accepting change passively.

Thus, strategic thinking is important. It is a way for an NGO to strive for sustainability and success. Three important factors define this process:

1. Scanning the broad environment.
2. Reflecting on vision and execution.
3. Assesing capacity.

This will enable the NGO to be aware of:

1. Pace and depth of change.
2. Discontinous change.
3. Unpredictability.

Consequently, strategic planning is the process of determining the details of how to implement this new awareness of change.