The impediments to initiating planning

This paper begins with the review and critical analysis of the literature concerning the difficulties of formulating and implementing strategic marketing planning. While previous research has adequately reviewed the barriers to formulation and implementation, little attention has been paid to the impediments to the initiation of planning. Consequently, via the detailed case-study of two organizations, four principal inhibitors to plan initiation are forwarded. The four obstacles are: the absence of the initial idea, organizational ‘mindset’, ignorance and anti-planning personnel. Finally, conclusions are drawn and implications for further study are presented.