The organizational plan defines the structure you must have to put the complete business plan in place. Organizational planning begins with the concept that structure follows strategy. The strategies come from the strategic plan. The organizational plan is more than a wiring diagram or chart showing assignments; it must help you do certain things. First, it ensures your people are all properly assigned to specific work or functions. Like the operational plan, the organizational plan aids coordination among critical staff sections. The organizational plan matches the structure to the goals of the plan.
Another important function is cost control. The organizational plan illustrates adjustments that need to be made to streamline activities within the workforces. Structure should always be tailored to the requirements. Finally, the organizational plan must illustrate three ingredients:
- A chart showing reporting relationships
- A clear definition of responsibilities
- A clear definition of authorities
Another serious situation could be in the area of workplace violence. How do you prevent a serious incident from happening inside your workplace environment? Acts of violence against supervisors and coworkers by disgruntled employees have grown at a disturbing rate in the American workplace. Increasingly, embittered employees and ex-employees are seeking revenge through violence and murder for alleged mistreatment on the job. According to a Bureau of Justice, Statistics Crime Data Brief, homicide has become the second leading cause of death in the workplace. Additionally, statistics show that one in four workers will be harassed, threatened, or attacked on the job. The topic of violence has many variables, but given the high stakes involved, it is prudent for management to prepare to deal with workplace violence by implementing prevention procedures. In short, this is contingency planning.