THE NATURE OF THE PLANNING ENVIRONMENT: AND THE EFFECTS OF GUIDANCE, ORGANIZATION AND AUTHORITY

This monograph focuses on the nature of the planning environment The monograph argues that the Bush Administration did not provide those charged with post-conflict planning within the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA), clear guidance, proper organizational structure, or the authority needed to accomplish their mission. While SAMS graduates can do little to change the structure of the US government or the nature of the problems that lead to a lack of guidance, organizational structure, and authority; they can better prepare themselves to operate in these environments by sharpening their skills in appreciative intelligence, social intelligence, and sense-making. It is these skills that allowed the planners in 2003 to overcome the insurmountable odds, and it will be these skills that enable future planners to do the same.