Chapter 54: Strategic Planning and Change Management in Public Organizations: Integration of Socio-Economic Tools in Belgian Local Governments

Public organizations, in particular municipalities, need strategic planning and change management in a context of evolution of their strategic environment and a need to control public finances. Public managers need methods that allow them to set a course, identify efficiency gains and lead transformations while obtaining the support of their teams. Based on the case of 12 Belgian municipalities, this chapter shows how socio-economic tools (Internal and External Strategic plans, Priority Action Plans, Competency Grids, Time Management) meet the needs of managers.