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A Case Study about Strategic Planning at the U.S. General Accounting Office

Introduction: In anticipation of impending domestic and global changes, the U.S. General Accounting Office developed a strategic plan to guide its efforts. The two-year strategic planning process and GAOís Strategic Plan, 2000-2005, prompted a complete reorganization of GAO that began on October 1, 2000. Developing the plan entailed unprecedented effortóinvolving staff at all levels and a wide spectrum of stakeholders. The plan evolved, in part, in response to a senior management directive to clarify GAO’s mission and objectives. Additionally, managers foresaw the plan as an opportunity to communicate to Congress and the nation GAOís capabilities. Comptroller General David Walker referred to the plan as ” a blueprint for how [GAO] will support Congress and the American people in the future,” and “a vision for strengthening the performance and accountability of the federal government.

With this end in mind, GAO embarked on a planning process that would satisfy criteria of the Government Performance and Results Act. Members and staff of Congress were involved heavily as GAO developed the plan, which ìstarted and ended with Congress.î Challenges emerged throughout the process, providing learning experiences that are relevant to organizations involved in strategic planning. The intent of this case study is to capture lessons learned, provide insight on GAO’s strategic planning experience, and offer recommendations to guide future strategic planning efforts at GAO. Keep reading…