Goal Setting, Planning and Decision Making

D. Why do people avoid planning There are a number of reasons why
people avoid planning.
• Organizational problems:
Poor reward structures
Where an organization assumes success, it will often fail to reward it.
Where failure occurs, then it may be punished in lack of promotion or
redundancy. This often results in a situation where it is better for the
individual to do nothing (and not draw attention) than risk trying
something, fail and be punished.
Fire-fighting
An organization can be so deeply embroiled in crisis management and
fire-fighting that it simply does not have time to plan.
The ‘get stuck in’ culture
An organization may oppose planning as a waste of time. This may be
because the organization is doing a very simple job, or where
managers are so experienced in a job that they do not appreciate that
they are planning. The approach cripples inexperienced staff by
denying them the benefits of planning, and puts more loads on
experienced managers.
Opposition to time and expense of planning
Time spent on planning is an investment. Some organizations are
culturally opposed to spending resources. Sometimes this may be
appropriate, but often it is shortsighted.
• Individual Avoidance of Planning
Where people are resistant to planning, this can result from:
Laziness
People may simply not be bothered to devote the time to thinking a
plan through.
Lack of Commitment and Resistance to Change
The individuals may not see the benefits of the planning process, may
believe there is no need to plan, or may perceive things are okay as
they stand.
Fear of Failure
By not taking action there is little risk of failure unless a problem is
urgent and pressing. Whenever something worthwhile is attempted
there is risk of failure.
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