MICHAEL DEMPSEY - Cranfield University

Deploying resources
philosophical commitment to such an approach. Below there will be
discussion of what this means in terms of stakeholder management but
here we have a view of some moral rules which may impact on that
process.
Managerial Activities
Deploying Resources
8.12 Earlier there was discussion about UNISON’s financial systems. They
were described as formal and devolved and there was also reference
by the General Secretary to the importance of objectives and priorities.
In fact, UNISON is seeking to plan its operations around these
objectives, an intention which includes financial operations.
However, UNISON’s objectives for 2002, agreed, as he says, by the
NEC are in themselves difficult to plan budgetary systems around:
Objective 1: Increasing recruitment and retention to build
organisational strength and maximise income .
Objective 2: Supporting members at work .
Objective 3: Providing effective campaigning and policy
development to build UNISON's profile and influence
Objective 4: Improving services to members .
Objective 5: Building member participation and ensuring
effective servicing of lay structures
Objective 6: Developing the union's infrastructure and
services/managing resources effectively (UNISON’s Objectives
2002)
Despite this, units within the union have developed Business Plans to
accord with these objectives. The East Midlands region plan says, for
example:-
The Plan will also guide the allocation of Regional resources,
both staff and financial. Finally, it will form part of the means of
accountability of all staff, through the Regional Secretary, to the
Regional Committee and NEC. (UNISON East Midlands
Operational Plan 2002)
The West Midlands Region has a similar document which also
diagrams sub-objectives and sets targets for particular activities, such
as :-
• 90% members to have accurate records
• 30% employers to send subscription information
electronically
• 95% Direct debit payers to have accurate records (UNISON
West Midlands Operational Plan 2002)
In this region, the system is even carried through to the level of branch
organisation with a team plan for the B team containing action points
301