HR-Survey > Employee Opinion > Dimensions

Survey Questions: Planning

Definition: Planning is a structured process that involves forecasting, contingency planning, and resource management to anticipate challenges, allocate resources efficiently, and develop solutions that align with organizational goals. Strong leadership ensures strategic planning, implementation, and project management, balancing stakeholder needs, optimizing scheduling and staffing, and overseeing logistics to maintain competitiveness and productivity. Through task prioritization, organization, and time management, employees follow through on plans, adapt to urgent tasks, and create sustainable frameworks that drive success.

Surveys Measuring Planning:
Example 1 (5-point scale; numbers; NA)
Example 2 (7-point scale; radio buttons)
Example 3 (4-point scale; radio buttons)
Example 4 (5-point scale; radio buttons)
Example 5 (5-point scale; words)
Example 6 (Pulse Survey)
Example 7 (5-point scale; item comments)
Example 8 (3-point scale; words; N/A)
Example 9 (4-point scale; numbers)
Example 10 (Comment boxes only)
Example 11 (Single rating per dimension)
Example 12 (Slide-bar scale)

Contingency Planning

Contingency Planning focuses on developing alternative strategies to handle unexpected events and disruptions as they arise. This dimension highlights having backup plans, preparing for worst-case scenarios, ensuring flexibility in response to changes, and implementing tactical solutions for critical incidents. It prioritizes reactive preparedness, ensuring that teams can quickly adapt when faced with obstacles.

Our department is able to adjust plans as needed according to situational/strategic changes.
Leadership develops and implements contingency plans as needed
We develop contingency plans to address potential problems
My manager explores new directions/approaches to overcome setbacks and roadblocks
Our organization develops and works contingency plans as needed
My manager encourages us to plan for the unexpected
Our company is good at planning for the "unexpected"
Our department is prepared with tactical plans to address critical incidents
My manager always has a "plan-b" if needed
My supervisor is good at planning for contingencies
Our department regularly makes plans for contingencies
My department is good at developing plans for contingencies
I regularly plan for unexpected events
I have plans to handle unexpected events
Our department has a back-up plan for each quarter to ensure achieving sales goals
I regularly plan for contingencies

Task Division/Prioritization

Task Division/Prioritization focuses on breaking down complex objectives into manageable steps and ensuring tasks are arranged in an efficient sequence. This dimension highlights analyzing trends to determine the best course of action, assigning tasks based on urgency, and structuring work in a way that optimizes productivity. It prioritizes workflow optimization and resource allocation, ensuring that efforts are strategically arranged for maximum effectiveness.

Leadership is effective in prioritizing tasks and allocating resources
Our department has set the appropriate sequence of tasks to efficiently achieve the goal
I divide complex tasks into smaller steps to measure progress toward a goal
I can accomplish major tasks by breaking them into manageable pieces
The project manager is good at setting the appropriate sequence of tasks to ensure completion of the project
My manager effectively prioritizes tasks based on urgency/need
I can determine the steps required for completion of a task
My manager assigns the right tasks to the right people and holds them accountable
I analyze market trends to plan the best course of action

Forecasting

Forecasting emphasizes anticipating potential challenges, future needs, and trends to proactively shape strategies before issues arise. This dimension centers on predicting obstacles, planning for resource requirements, setting long-term goals (such as 2-year and 5-year plans), and adjusting strategies based on market trends. It prioritizes proactive planning, ensuring that organizations stay ahead of potential difficulties rather than reacting to them.

I feel that leadership is able to anticipate obstacles and find ways to overcome them
Our department keeps track of market trends to plan for future initiatives
I anticipate potential challenges, develop a plan to overcome them and then carry out the plan
My manager plans for the future
I am able to anticipate potential challenges and develop plans to overcome them
I anticipate the resources needed to successfully implement a plan or project
Our department has a 2-year plan
Our company has a 5-year plan
My manager can anticipate potential challenges, develop a plan to overcome them and then carry out the plan
Management anticipates potential challenges and develops a plan to achieve success
I am able to anticipate obstacles and find ways to overcome them
My supervisor anticipates the resources I need to successfully implement a plan or project
Our company has a 2-year plan
Our department has a 5-year plan
Employees I work with anticipate challenges and have plans to overcome them
I can anticipate potential challenges and develop a plan to achieve success
My manager is able to look ahead (beyond the present) when addressing the work/needs of the department

Resource Management

Resource Management emphasizes identifying, acquiring, and allocating resources (such as supplies, equipment, funding, and personnel) needed to implement a plan successfully. This dimension centers on estimating material needs, securing necessary tools, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring financial allocations are appropriate. It prioritizes efficiency and resource availability, making sure that teams have everything they need to bring a project to life.

Resources are organized and coordinated effectively
Assessment is part of the planning process to identify organizational weaknesses and develop solutions
My manager determines what supplies/equipment are needed for the project
Resources are coordinated and utilized effectively in my department.
Financial planning is an important part of the Company's plans
My manager is able to identify the needs of the department before a major change

My Abilities

I know the operating constraints that limit what our department can do
I am able to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders in developing the plan for the division
I know what courses of action I need to take to achieve my objectives
I can analyze market trends to plan the best course of action
I know what constraints may limit what can be performed
I know what steps are needed to plan for equipment upgrades
I am familiar with operational planning
I know what resources are needed to accomplish goals
I know what courses of action are available
I can identify alternate courses of action if needed

Organization

I use to-do lists to make sure nothing is missed
Our company integrates planning across functional, divisional and departmental boundaries
The project leader will reorder the schedule of events to maximize attendance/efficiency
We use software tools to help with visualization of the plan
My manager is able to stay organized and focused using excellent planning skills
We regularly use planning and scheduling software
Team leaders organize lists of items required for meetings or presentations
I feel I work in an organized manner
Action plans are developed to ensure accomplishments of goals and objectives

Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning emphasizes developing high-level strategies that align with organizational goals and drive long-term success. This dimension centers on market competitiveness, risk assessment, vision-setting, and linking plans to a companyâs broader mission. It prioritizes foresight and goal alignment, ensuring decisions support sustainable growth and innovation.

Leadership gathers data from a variety of sources for use in strategic planning
My manager anticipates the impacts of strategic plans
Our organization has implemented a strategic plan for our future
Leadership at our company collaborates to implement the strategic plan
The Company strategic planning process supports employee development and continuous process improvement
My department has a strategic plan in place
My manager regularly develops strategic plans
My manager is good at creating a strategic plan
My supervisor is open to input from others into the plan for development of the strategic plan
I feel the President has developed an effective strategic plan
Our department's strategic plan is linked to the organization's mission and goals
Managers assess the risks of various strategic plans
The Company has long-term goals aligned with its strategic vision
I know how to develop a strategic plan
I develop strategic plans for ensuring competitiveness in the marketplace
The VP has developed strategic plans for the company/organization
I know how to utilize strategic thinking in planning
I have confidence in our leadership's strategic plans
My manager understands the process for developing strategic plans for the organization
My manager has developed a strategic plan to reduce costs in the department

My Manager or Supervisor

My supervisor knows what courses of action are necessary to achieve objectives
My supervisor develops tactical plans when an incident arises
My supervisor helps me keep goals on track
My manager is good at financial planning and keeping the department's expenses within budget
My supervisor has a good understanding of the environment we operate in which helps us in planning for future actions
Leadership develops plans used to accomplish urgent or critical tasks
My manager develops plans to help manage expectations and project demands
My manager is good at avoiding barriers that may inhibit our progress
My manager uses operational planning
My manager gives me objectives that need to be completed
My manager is effective at planning for transitions in equipment or facilities

Leadership at the Company

Leadership assesses the Company human resources to promote and improve employee development opportunities
Leadership at the company makes plans and follows through
Leadership at the company assesses the potential impact of changes to the strategic plan
Leadership at the company prioritizes plans based on a cost/benefit analysis
Leadership develops effective plans to deal with unforeseen circumstances

Implementation

Implementation emphasizes putting established plans into action and ensuring progress is tracked and adjusted as needed. This dimension centers on following the plan, ensuring alignment with company goals, setting milestones, monitoring progress, and maintaining flexibility in response to changing circumstances. It prioritizes execution and adaptation, reinforcing the ability to follow through and continuously refine the plan.

My manager ensures everyone in the department is onboard with the current plan
I am able to follow the plan set in place
Our department collects data regarding our progress in implementing our plans
My supervisor encourages others to follow the plan
Our department collaborates with others to implement the strategic plan
Goals and objectives are integrated and aligned with the Company vision
My department is effective at planning for smooth implementation of new processes
Coworkers closely follow the plan established for the department
Progress is regularly evaluated to ensure adherence to the plan
Our department ensures performance measures are in place to monitor and assess attainment of goals and objectives
Our department is flexible enough to adjust the plan as needed
The department head ensures staff are held accountable for following the department plan
My manager sets milestones to track progress on the plan
Plans that our department makes are usually implemented smoothly without incidents
Our department uses milestones to keep track of progress
Delegates tasks to team members to accomplish goals

Planning

Planning focuses on establishing goals, setting objectives, and creating structured plans to guide projects, teams, or company operations. This dimension highlights articulating plans clearly, involving stakeholders in the development process, defining strategic priorities, and ensuring adaptability in execution. It prioritizes broad organizational planning, ensuring all aspects of decision-making align with long-term goals.

I make plans and follow through
My supervisor plans meetings effectively
My supervisor understands that the initial plans may need to be adjusted
Vision, strategic plans, processes, and quality controls are coordinated through the Leadership at the Company
My manager is able to clearly articulate the plan for the department/district
Our department sets objectives to be completed
Managers involve relevant coworkers in the development of the plan
I plan for the future

Project Management

Project Management focuses on developing structured plans to guide multi-faceted projects from inception to completion. This dimension highlights defining project scope, setting timelines, outlining deliverables, and ensuring alignment with team goals. It prioritizes coordination and execution, ensuring that all aspects of a project are strategically planned and managed.

Our department determines the appropriate actions needed to achieve goals
My manager develops a detailed plan outlining tasks, resources, timelines, and deliverables
The project manager is open to input from others into the plan for the project
The team leader identifies what must be accomplished for successful completion of project
The project manager develops an effective plan to guide the project
My manager creates effective project plans
I usually create a timeline to specify when each phase of the project should be concluded
I can create plans to handle complex, multi-faceted projects
The project lead initiates the planning process by defining the scope of the project

Resource Management

I know how to identify resources needed to accomplish objectives
The project lead is good at determining what supplies/equipment will be needed for the job
My manager develops a systematic approach to get resources needed to accomplish the plan
Our department accurately estimates the amount of materials/supplies needed for the project
The manager understands what equipment will be needed for the project
My manager determines the allocation of funds based on plans for future development
My manager anticipates resources needed to successfully implement a plan or project
I know how to determine what supplies/equipment will be needed for the department
The team lead ensures staff have the supplies and resources necessary to enact the plan
The project leader is good at determining the amount of materials/supplies needed for the project
Our department purchases the equipment and software that will be needed in the future

Scheduling/Staffing

Scheduling/Staffing focuses on determining personnel needs, creating schedules, and aligning staffing decisions with operational efficiency. This dimension highlights workforce planning, adjusting schedules to maximize productivity, ensuring seasonal staffing needs are met, and reducing uncertainty through structured scheduling practices. It prioritizes resource allocation and workforce optimization, ensuring that staffing aligns with business objectives.

The department schedules staff based on seasonal needs
Leadership at our company knows how to position us to be competitive in the marketplace
I can plan schedules based on associates' strengths to maximize sales
My manager reduces uncertainty in the department through clear planning and schedules
My supervisor creates a timeline for events and monitors progress
The project lead notifies staff when the plan is not on schedule
The Company has an excellent workforce planning strategy to meet future needs
My manager is effective at determining appropriate staffing needs for the project/department
I make plans for future staffing needs
My manager adjusts and rearranges the schedule to maximize efficiency

Logistics Planning

Logistics Planning emphasizes coordinating the movement of materials, supplies, and operational resources to ensure efficiency and smooth execution within supply chains. This dimension centers on reducing supply delays, optimizing freight processing, managing inventory flow, and ensuring seamless material movement. It prioritizes operational execution and efficiency, ensuring supply chain management supports overall business functionality.

Our department makes plans for freight processing during non-operating hours
The COO develops proper plans to ensure seamless flow of materials through logistics
I am effective in using logistics planning to reduce supply delays
I am able to develop logistics plans to move material through a multi-step supply chain
My manager creates effective logistics plans to achieve high operational efficiency
My supervisor makes strategic and tactical decisions to guide the logistics process
Our department develops good plans used for logistics
The division leader develops plans to ensure the smooth operation of the supply chain

Time Management

Time Management emphasizes efficiently allocating time to tasks and projects to ensure deadlines are met and goals are achieved. This dimension centers on assessing progress, estimating task durations, utilizing management software for tracking, and ensuring plans stay on schedule. It prioritizes workflow efficiency and task organization, helping individuals and teams stay productive and focused.

Our department plans for how to allocate time to specific activities
My manager accurately estimates the duration of tasks
Our division establishes and monitors timeframes and timelines
My manager establishes a course of action for self and others to accomplish specific goals
I am able to keep goals on track
I conduct regular assessments of the project status to ensure adherence to the set schedule
I know how to the management software to set up and monitors timeframes and plans
My supervisor efficiently manages deadlines
My manager works with others to ensure plans are kept on schedule