Strategic Thinking at Academic Organisational Units Based on the Example of Student Union Faculty Boards at a Polish Technical University
Strategic Thinking at Academic Organisational Units Based on the Example of Student Union Faculty Boards at a Polish Technical University

Summary/Abstract: The aim of the paper is to identify and analyse strategic thinking patterns at academic organisational units such as student union faculty boards. The precursor of strategic thinking is H. Mintzberg [1987], the creator of the 5P concept. This approach assumes that strategy can be defined in five ways, i.e.: plan, ploy, pattern, position and perspective. It is the strategy seen as a pattern that gives rise to strategic thinking and to unplanned, flexible adjustment, determined by the position of the enterprise. The subject of research presented in this paper are student union faculty boards operating at a technical university (SUFB). The units are not considered organisations in the full meaning of the term, as they do not keep separate books and records. In other aspects, they share some characteristics with non–profit organisations. Problems faced by such entities include high member rotation, limited budget, subordination to formal requirements, bureaucracy, lack of universal action plans, low member involvement, changing organisational cultures. In addition, non–profit organisations and academic organisational units often focus on principles different than those associated with the classical approach to strategic planning, for instance, instead of fighting for competitive advantage — they focus on serving the community.

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