Abstract
Strategic planning is widely used in the Federal Government. The intent of this study was twofold. The first purpose was to determine if a significant statistical difference existed between the theoretical model, i.e., effective strategic plan, and what was really occurring within federal agencies. The second purpose was to determine if a significant statistical difference existed between managerial level, agency of employment and type of work performed and the satisfaction level federal level strategic planning experts have with their organizations efforts in strategic planning. A survey questionnaire was sent to all two hundred and thirty federal employees who are members of the Federal Planning Network. The Related t Test was used to answer question one and the Kruskal-Wallis H Test was used to answer question two. The research results indicated that there was a significant statistical difference between the Theoretical Model and what was actually occurring within federal agencies. However, there was no significant statistical difference between managerial level, agency of employment, and occupational series and the degree of satisfaction with their organization's efforts in strategic planning. The statistical difference that exists between the Theoretical Model and what is actually occurring in federal agencies will give those agencies an opportunity to relook the way they are performing strategic planning. From the Theoretical Model executives, organizations and all interested in federal sector strategic planning can determine the relative importance of the key functional elements. From this changes can be implemented within organizations to improve their strategic planning efforts. Although there was no significant statistical difference of the strategic planning satisfaction level, that does not mean that all were satisfied with their organization's efforts. In reality, the average was only marginally satisfied. Being marginally satisfied creates a common bond for all in federal organizations. It is important for senior leadership to know that their "resident experts" think more need to be done in the strategic planning arena.