Organizational Planning

POLC

basic functions of management. planning, organizing, leading, and controlling

basic functions of management: planning

set objectives and direction

basic functions of management: organizing

Arrange resources and responsibilities

basic functions of management: leading

guide, motivate, and communicate

basic functions of management: controlling

Measure results and adjust

living document

it can be changed

strategic planning

futuristic planning. can be done in a department or agency level. they have goals for 2-5 years out

operational planning

day to day plans that carry out the strategic plan (Cathy Orletsky)

contingency planning

emergency plans. sometimes you have to create these after a situation (ex: earthquake)

planning hierarchy (top to bottom)

vision, mission, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and rules

vision statement

 Look towards the future

 Answers the question “Where do we want to go?”

 Unifying theme for all aspects of an organization

 Does not describe an action plan for the end result

 Developed by top management

 Typically, shorter than a mission statement

 Provides inspiration and may conjure up an image

mission statement

 Created with the vision statement in mind.

 Purpose of the organization- why it exists

 Identifies or explains the services of the organization

 May also describe what the consumer can expect from the services.

 May start with “The mission….”

vision statement example

Reinventing rehabilitation for life beyond limits.

mission statement example

Sheltering Arms Institute, a national leader in the science of rehabilitation, delivers personalized care in an environment that supports recovery and restores possibility through the integration of collaborative science and research, interprofessional education, community engagement, and stewardship

mission or vision:

vision

mission or vision:

mission

mission or vision:

mission

mission or vision:

vision

written plan of operation (WPO)

-Provides a framework for how the department will function and meet the needs of the clients

-Provides consistency & continuity for staff & managers

-Clarifies staff and managerial roles

-Helps with decision making

-Best practice – updated periodically so it is a “living document”

-May be called operational plans, departmental plans

what can be in a WPO

 Vision & Mission (agency & dept.)

 Goals and objectives for the department

 Description of programs offered

 Evaluation techniques for services

 Daily operations (P & Ps)

 Assessments and documentation protocols

 Personnel & Financial Management

departmental goals

 Compatible with vision & mission

 Provide guidance for departments, programs and staff

 Usually reviewed annually

 Assists with the evaluation of the department

 May relate to the strategic plan of the agency

 Long-term and short-term

internal goals

performance evaluations (Manager & RT do this together), staffing, financial, physical, environment

external goals

consumer satisfaction

manager’s role with goals

 Assist with goal setting

 Collaborate with staff to set goals

 Properly communicate goals to staff

 Integrate it with a reward system…if possible

objectives

need to be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely)

ex of goal and objectives

Distribute and review the Assisted Living satisfaction surveys by October 31, 2026.

-The TR manager will distribute surveys to residents in the Assisted Living Unit and mail to their family members by September 20, 2026.

-As surveys arrive, the TR department will review surveys in weekly dept. meetings through October 31, 2026.

-Within two weeks of receipt of survey, the TR manager will contact (phone or face-to-face) any resident or family member that requests a follow-up on the survey.

policies

Explain how goals will be achieved and serve as guidelines for actions within an agency or dept.

can be broad (program budget) or narrow (resident goes missing )

procedures

Plans, instructions, or actions to be taken in order to implement the policy

why policies and procedures

-Provide consistency & predictability within the organization and/department. This is good because employees know what to expect.

-Also helps with decision making, training new staff & conflict resolution

-Policies may be imposed by outside agencies (Joint Commission, CARF, CMS, healthcare laws).

formulation of policies and procedures

Top Management, Directors, Owners, Boards (sometimes first-line managers)

Creation of policies should take into consideration resources, acceptability factor, mission, vision, consumers, etc

implementation of policies and procedures

First-Line Managers

Enforced through rewards & penalties. Need to be effectively communicated to staff.

evaluation/revision of policies and procedures

First- Line Managers

Need a plan to include how often and the process of review. Usually done yearly

rules

 Statements that define a specific action or inaction in a given situation.

 Should be simple to follow and ensure consistency among staff.

 Only describe one course of action

rule v. procedure example

Procedure is what you do as an RT that makes sure people follow the rules

Rule: Participants must wear appropriate aquatic attire while participating in pool classes.

Vs.

Procedure: Before entering the pool area, the recreation therapist verifies that participants are wearing appropriate swimwear. Participants who are not appropriately dressed are informed of the requirement and may be asked to change before participating