What purpose does tactical planning serve within an organization?

Tactical planning is essential for organizations as it translates overarching strategies into actionable steps and concrete goals. This process helps departments and teams within the organization break down broad, long-term objectives into more immediate and manageable tasks. By doing so, tactical planning ensures that everyone is aligned with the organization's strategic vision while also providing clear direction and measurable outcomes. It focuses on the "how" aspects of implementing strategies over a shorter time frame, often detailing specific actions, timelines, and resources required.

While establishing long-term financial goals is critical, it falls under the category of strategic planning rather than tactical planning. Monitoring employee engagement levels and conducting ongoing market research are also vital activities, but they do not directly address the development of specific action plans derived from broader strategies. Tactical planning emphasizes the execution of those broader strategies, making it an integral part of organizational success.