PROGRAMME PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION 2(1+1)

Lesson 6 : Programme Planning Approaches

Approaches for Programme Planning

Before starting the steps in programme planning it is necessary to understand the approaches used in programme planning. The different approaches used in programme planning, which are according to:

1. Duration
2. Extent of participation
3. Place of planning
4. Type of planning
5. Type of leadership

1. According to Duration
   All the development programmes are prepared for a definite period of time. On the basis of duration, the plans can be classified as short term plans, medium term plans and long term plans.


2. According to extent of participation
   Participation by people and their abilities are quite helpful in planning. The extent of participation of the people can be at three levels i.e. liberal participation, where people are completely free to express their views, at second level is restricted participation where people can participate in some issues and at third level is no participation by the people in planning.


3. According to the place of planning
   Programme planning is not the same for all the countries, nor is the same for one country at different places. Various forms of planning can be:
   • Centralized planning
   • Decentralized planning
   • Completely independent grass-root planning


4. According to the type of planning
   On the basis of the development approach of the country, the types of planning can be isolated planning, integrated planning and comprehensive planning.


5. According to the types of leadership
   Plans can also be described according to the type of leadership. When the leadership is too weak or due to any reason, everybody becomes free to plan as he/she desires, the three approaches used are:
   1. Democratic approach
   2. Autocratic approach and
   3. Laissey- faire approach
      

Autocratic and laissey faire approach are the two extremes which are not used frequently but democratic approach is the most adequate to be used in programme planning which gives best results.

1. Autocratic approach
   People having this approach think of the process of control in which a person or a small group coordinates all the activities. People believing in autocratic view make several assumptions of their own like:
   • The client group (men, women, boys & girls) do not have useful ideas.
   • They think only themselves or their leaders to be all efficient planners.
   • They impose the programme on the people, whether it is of any use to them or not.
   • They do not believe in psychological effect of team work.
   
   
2. Laissey- faire approach
   Persons assuming this view have the tendency to do things all alone and they think themselves to be effective and capable to do any work. This approach does not result in the most effective programme.


3. Democratic Approach
   This approach is the most sound and effective approach which delivers the best programme. This approach recognizes that neither the officer, nor the people alone can contribute to sound programme planning, rather the programme must be planned according to the real needs and interests of the people and the people are fully aware of their needs.