Imaging

SWOT Analysis Examples
State of Minnesota Department of Employee Relations SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Existence of previous strategic Human
Resources planning efforts offers several
innovative solutions
Tools to improve human resources
activities are available (e.g., interview
guide and training manual)
Experienced workforce dedicated to
mission. Employees feel “part of the
team”Weaknesses

Failure to communicate formally and
informally, both cross-functionally and
within departments
No continual evaluation and updating of
human resources practices and policies
Lack of accountability of managers and
employees to achieve clear and
measurable performance levels

Opportunities

“Personnel” is allowing for more creative
and flexible options (e.g., for
compensationand staffing)
Advanced technologies are available to
foster more effective human resources
activities
Availability of information about best
practices in human resources

Threats

Full-time employees (FTE) and budget
constraints imposed by legislature
Government is moving toward
privatization increasing the competition
for services
Other organizations may attract
employees andbusiness away from us

Disclaimer: This case study has been compiled from information freely available from public
sources. It is intended to be used as an example for educational purposes only. 1

1

State of Minnesota, Department of Employee Relations. 2004.
www.doer.state.mn.us/wfplanning/step1.htm.

1

Workforce Planning Tool Kit

SWOT Analysis Examples

Department of SocialServices SWOT ANALYSIS
Strengths
Experienced, resourceful, dedicated
workforce
Strong community
partnerships/collaboration
Continuous Quality Improvement promotes
teamwork
Proactive management team

Opportunities

Leadership training for possible
advancement
Collaborate with community partners
Promote teamwork across divisions
Identify/tap into staff hidden strengths

WeaknessesParking for customers
Diminished Resources – Increased
Consumer Demand
Uniformity across divisions

Threats

Staff turnover
Budget
Privatization
Fewer people willing to do child welfare

Disclaimer: This case study has been compiled from information available from public sources.
This SWOT is based on an analysis completed as part of the strategic planning process for
Washington County(Maryland) social services. 2 It is intended to be used as an example for
educational purposes only.

2

www.dhr.state.md.us/county/washing/plan06.pdf, Strategic Plan (Revised September 28, 2005 for
FY’06) For the period: July 2003-June 30, 2007, SWOT ANALYSIS (Updated September 28, 2005).

2

Workforce Planning Tool Kit

SWOT Analysis Examples

Social Work Education in Canada SWOTAnalysis
Strengths

A holistic practice orientation
The linkage between theory and practice
Regulation and certification
A generalist approach to practice
Increased cultural relevance of social work
education
High quality social work programs
A continued demand for social worker
The values of the profession

Opportunities

A trend to neoliberalism
Increasing identification of socialworkers
with the bureaucracy
Increasing managerialization
Increased community responsibility for
service delivery
Interdisciplinarity

Weaknesses
Lack of professional identification, or
identity crisis
An inability to promote the profession
The diffuse knowledge base of the
profession
Conflict between the values of social
action and social control
A lack of preparation to managethe
stress of our work
Insufficient aboriginal, visible minority
and multicultural members of the
profession

Threats

Design of cost effective programs which
meet service user needs
Exercise of responsibility for social
advocacy
Development of managerial
competence in social workers
Extension of job opportunities through
privatization
Articulation of social work
competencies...