What type of information is most valuable for strategic planning?

The most valuable type of information for strategic planning is historical data. This information provides a crucial foundation for analyzing past performance, identifying trends, and forecasting future outcomes. Historical data allows organizations to understand what strategies have worked well in the past and what factors contributed to their successes or failures. It serves as an objective basis for decision-making, enabling companies to set realistic goals and allocate resources effectively.

By relying on historical data, strategic planners can assess market conditions, customer behavior, operational efficiencies, and other important metrics over time. This information is critical for making informed decisions that align with the company's long-term vision and goals. It fosters a data-driven approach to strategy, which is far more reliable than subjective insights or unfounded information.