Abstract
Strategic planning has been widely applied internationally in both the public and private sectors. It has been criticized for using a top down approach and for not drawing on the insights and lived experiences of the people and for not supporting two – way communication. This article is based on an analysis of strategic planning in three local government case studies in Vietnam. The research is based on original empirical research for a PhD degree. It develops an argument for a more participatory approach based on two –way communication and a consideration of many domains of knowledge to be considered to support governance decisions. This approach is called systemic governance and participatory planning for decision making. This article is based on empirical research. It explores the extent to which strategic planning has been applied in Vietnam.
Highlights
Introduction and background to the research1.1 Vietnam’s planning system and the significant of the studyLike most of the socialist economies of Europe and Asia, Vietnam followed the central planning model from the U.S.S.R
In Vietnam, since the country used to be a planned economy and most of the economic activities were under the control of the centre during the planning period, this has led to economic inefficiency and a low quality of life
Paralleling the international trends, Vietnam has been implementing the reforms in the development discourse regarding governance, management and citizen participation to enhance the development of the country, in local government
Summary
Like most of the socialist economies of Europe and Asia, Vietnam followed the central planning model from the U.S.S.R. The socio-economic development planning is considered to be a crucial framework for eliminating and erasing poverty in Vietnam as set up in the Comprehensive Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy (CPRGS-Chien luoc tang truong toan dien ve xoa doi giam ngheo) During this reform period, the GDP growth has been increasing during recent years about 8 percent per year during 1990-2005 (Vietnam Statistical Yearbook, 2005). A considerable number of questions still need to be addressed as to whether these developments are sustainable or not when (1) the government balance sheet and domestic public sector debt indicators are still of concern (Vietnam National Assembly, 2006); (2) the gap between the rich and the poor is larger (Vietnam Statistical Yearbook, 2005); and (3) the voice and accountability to community in governance is still low (World Bank, 2006) These are great challenges to national and local authorities to look at their programs again, the socio-economic development planning process. The core argument is that Vietnam needs to have a more open process to test out the planning ideas with the people who are affected by the decisions, who are to be at the receiving end of the decisions
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