The Impact of Strategic Planning on the Development of Human Resources in Palestinian University Education Institutions

ABSTRACT : This study investigates the impact of strategic planning on human resource development within Palestinian university education institutions. Adopting a quantitative analytical approach, data were collected through a structured questionnaire. The study population comprised all employees across four universities Bethlehem University, Arab American University, Al-Istiqlal University, and Palestine Technical University including academic department heads, deans, human resources directors, and administrative staff (N = 1,380). A stratified random sample of 302 respondents was selected to ensure representativeness. The findings revealed that the practice of strategic planning functions in Palestinian universities is at a high level. Similarly, the application of core human resource management (HRM) functions—including workforce planning, recruitment and selection, training and development, performance evaluation, and incentives and compensation—was also rated high. The degree of challenges and obstacles encountered in the strategic planning process was assessed as moderate, suggesting that while universities face constraints, their HRM practices remain robust and effective. The results further indicate that effective strategic planning contributes to aligning institutional resources with long-term goals, thereby enhancing human resource development as a sustainable competitive advantage. The study highlights the importance of integrating strategic objectives with institutional missions and stresses the need for universities to systematically identify strengths and weaknesses to address challenges more effectively. Based on these insights, the study recommends that universities adopt time-bound strategic goals, align objectives with institutional missions, develop proactive strategies to manage internal and external threats, and strengthen mechanisms for continuous improvement in HRM practices. These measures are essential for promoting organizational resilience, enhancing staff capabilities, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of higher education institutions in Palestine.