Date of Award

Summer 2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Organizational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Jennifer L. Carter

Second Advisor

Dr. Thomas Gollery

Third Advisor

Dr. Bethany Peters

Abstract

Effective strategic planning in aging services is needed to help public sector agencies and their networks successfully meet the needs of a growing and aging U.S. population of older adults. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to explore public sector state strategic plans and the effect of diversified collaboration, strategic plan design, and regional and state characteristics on related outcomes and organizational performance. This study reviewed State Plans on Aging and the effect of the diversity of stakeholders contributing to developing the plans, the comprehensiveness of the plans’ design, and the states’ performance in areas related to long-term services and supports. This study sought to provide insights that would add to the existing body of knowledge on public sector strategic planning, and help to enhance strategic planning activities aimed at improving services and supports for older adults. This study found that diversified collaboration and strategic plan design could have a positive effect on strategic planning outcomes. The study also employed a framework for studying strategic planning that answered previous calls for more research linking process/micro and practice/macro approaches to strategic planning research. Process-based research focuses on the microlevels of planning. Practice-based research focuses on the macro levels. When integrated together, these two types of strategic planning perspectives allow researchers to understand better how, why, and when strategic planning works. This study offers some insights into future research, provides implications for practice, and serves as a call to further action in addressing a broad social challenge.

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