GW’s Strategic Framework vs. a Traditional Plan

There are important differences between a strategic framework and a strategic plan. Additionally, there are several key advantages to adopting a framework over a plan.

Organizations that adopt a strategic plan often prioritize specific initiatives and actions deemed key priorities. While there is a strategic vision, the plan itself is primarily tactical. It outlines the tactics to be employed in achieving the vision. Due to its tactical nature, it often resembles a checklist of items—a step-by-step approach to achieving institutional goals.

A strategic framework operates differently. The emphasis is on the strategic, and the focus is on the visionary end state. Instead of getting deep into tactics, it clearly defines the overarching priorities and goals of the visionary end state, along with the methods for assessing progress toward achieving that end state. The priorities guide ongoing decision-making across units and divisions, allowing for a certain flexibility in the tactics used to reach the defined vision.

This sort of flexibility is especially important given the current uncertainty within a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.

View the Draft Strategic Framework