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Introduction
The purpose of this article is to show the linkage between the realms of
meaning and strategic planning. The article will show how symbolics, empirics,
esthetics, synnoetics, ethics, and synoptics has an under pinning value to the planning
that is required for successful schools.
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How are the Realms of Meaning Relevant and Applicable to Strategic Planning?
Symbolics
Empirics
Empirics are the second realm of meaning, dealing with facts. This realm
includes the sciences of the physical world, of living things, and of man (Kritsonis
2007, p. 12). Empirics describe factual descriptions, mathematical generalizations,
and theoretical formulations and explanations (Kritsonis 2007, p. 12). “The theoretical
formulations and explanations are based upon observation and testing in the world of
matter, life, mind and society” (Kritsonis, 2007, p. 12). Strategic planning begins with
strategic thinking. In that statement lays both analysis and synthesis. The methodical
thinking process required for strategic planning therefore is grounded in empirics.
The linking of deliberate plans with medium and short term operating
programs, budgeting controls, and fiscal prudence has deep empirical meanings
requiring mathematics for their expression. To know a skill is to be able to put
together valid general description of matters of fact (Kritsonis, 2006), but a meta
analytic process is needed to communicate rationales, vision and goals at the
leadership level since outcomes are directly tied to tax-based resources. Fiscal
management requires disciplined logical thought. “The facts of empirics are framed
in accordance with rules of evidence and verification” (Kritsonis, 2007, p.12).
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Esthetics
Ethics
Synoptics
Concluding Remarks
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but it is not a substitute for the exercise of judgment by leaders. Strategic planning,
though described as disciplined, does not typically flow smoothly from one step to the
next. It is a creative process, and the fresh insight arrived at today might very well
alter the decisions made previously. Symbolics empowers to communicate
effectively. Empirics provides mathematical soundness to decisions. Esthetics
promotes the beauty in accuracy. Synnoetics, embraces relational knowledge. Ethics
gives moral meaning that expresses awareness of fairness and success without
question. This means we self evaluate honestly and we evaluate our strategic plan
outcomes truthfully. The final realm, synoptics, refers to meanings that are
comprehensively integrative. All these are relevant to a successful strategic plan.
REFERENCES
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