The anti-planner's tactics to thwart planning initiation

This paper begins by reviewing and critically analysing the body of literature which concerns the difficulties of formulating and implementing planning as well as the tactics which 'anti-planners' can adopt to inhibit strategic marketing planning. Previous research has adequately reviewed the barriers to formulation and implementation and the tactics which 'anti-planners' can use to frustrate plan implementation and formulation. However, little attention has been paid to the tactics adopted during the initiation of planning. Consequently, by means of the detailed case-study of an 'anti-planner' in one organization, the tactics which impede plan initiation are examined. These tactics include: deflecting process, 'moving the goal-posts', creating a situation of scarce resources, impeding decisions, condemning planning, forming a political coalition and displaying tenacity. Finally, conclusions are drawn and implications for further study are presented.