{"id":1127,"date":"2021-02-23T06:31:05","date_gmt":"2021-02-23T14:31:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/?p=1127"},"modified":"2021-02-23T06:31:07","modified_gmt":"2021-02-23T14:31:07","slug":"how-do-porter-mintzberg-and-more-define-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/2021\/02\/how-do-porter-mintzberg-and-more-define-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do Porter, Mintzberg, And More Define Strategy?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/storage.ning.com\/topology\/rest\/1.0\/file\/get\/8589000693?profile=original\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/storage.ning.com\/topology\/rest\/1.0\/file\/get\/8589000693?profile=RESIZE_400x\" alt=\"8589000693?profile=RESIZE_400x\" width=\"243\" height=\"173\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/flevypro\/8-perspectives-on-strategy-5339\">Strategy<\/a>&nbsp;is about the methods used to attain goals.&nbsp; It\u2019s the \u201chow\u201d of achieving goals\u2014desired future conditions and circumstances towards which effort and resources are spent until their achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If Strategy has any meaning at all, it is in relation to some aim or end in view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strategy is 1 of the 4 dimensions of an enterprise structure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Goals<\/strong>&nbsp;of the organization.<\/li><li><strong>Resources<\/strong>&nbsp;at our disposal.<\/li><li><strong>Strategies<\/strong>&nbsp;for achieving above-mentioned goals \u2013i.e., the methods used to deploy the resources.<\/li><li><strong>Tactics<\/strong>\u2014i.e., the ways in which the deployed resources are used.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Strategy and tactics \u2013 integral part of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/stream\/strategy-development\">Strategy Development<\/a>&nbsp;\u2013 bridge the gap between goals and the methods used to achieve those goals. &nbsp;These 4 dimensions of enterprise structure relate to one or both of the 2 domains; Policy and Management.&nbsp; Policies determine the goals of an enterprise, whereas attaining goals is typically a matter of Management.&nbsp; Tactics belong to the managers; strategy is the combined realm of the governors and managers; whereas resources are controlled jointly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The employed resources through use of Strategies and Tactics give us \u201ccertain\u201d conditions. &nbsp;Inspecting them in light of the \u201cdesired\u201d conditions enables us to determine future employment of the resources and thus emerges a pattern of actions and decisions which makes Strategy an adaptive and evolving view of what is required, to achieve goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We take a look at various perspectives on and definitions of Strategy, as explained by 8 of the most impactful and renowned Strategists in modern times.&nbsp; Familiarity with the perspectives of these strategists enables us to develop a more holistic and thorough understanding of the topic, helping us improve our strategic thinking, decision making, and analytical skills.All of these experts agree on the fact that Strategy is a means to implement a policy or a view envisioned by those who matter.&nbsp; Let\u2019s see how the following strategists define Strategy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Michael Porter<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Henry Mintzberg<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Treacy and Wiersema<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>H. Liddell Hart<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>George Steiner<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Kenneth Andrews<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Kepner-Tregoe<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Michel Robert<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/flevypro\/8-perspectives-on-strategy-5339\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Slide-deck-image-8-perspectives-of-Strategy.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7592\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s break down how a few of these renown strategists define \u201cStrategy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Michael Porter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Michael Porter, the father of modern Business Strategy, views Competitive Strategy as \u201cintentionally opting a collection of activities that are dissimilar to the competitors in order to provide a unique mix of value\u201d\u2013 i.e.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/business-toolkit\/competitive-advantage\">Competitive Advantage<\/a>. &nbsp;Porter states that Strategy is about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A competitive position.<\/li><li>Differentiating yourself in the eyes of the customer.<\/li><li>Adding value through a collection of activities different from competitors.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Henry Mintzberg<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mintzberg is credited with co-creating the Organigraph. &nbsp;He has written extensively on management and business Strategy. &nbsp;His contribution to Organizational Theory in the form of \u201cThe Organizational Configurations Framework\u201d is a model that describes 6 valid organizational configurations or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/stream\/organizational-design\">Organizational Design<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mintzberg argues that the contrast of changing realities with intentions necessitates accommodation, generating Strategy. &nbsp;According to him Strategy is a combination of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The Perspective \u2013 Vision and Direction.<\/li><li>The Position \u2013 Decisions to offer particular products or services in particular markets.<\/li><li>The Plan \u2013 a means of getting from here to there.<\/li><li>A Pattern in actions over time \u2013 for example, a company that regularly markets very expensive products is using a \u201chigh end\u201d Strategy.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Treacy and Wiersema<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Treacy and Wiersema\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/flevypro\/strategy-classics-value-disciplines-model-5138\">Value Discipline Model<\/a>&nbsp;talks about 3 different value disciplines:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/business-toolkit\/customer-strategy\">Customer Intimacy<\/a>,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/business-toolkit\/product-strategy-prod\">Product Leadership<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/operational-excellence\">Operational Excellence<\/a>. &nbsp;Their research on market leading organizations reveals that they outdid their competitors through mastering 1 of these 3 disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Treacy and Wiersema assert that companies achieve leadership positions by narrowing, not broadening, their business focus on any one of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Operational Excellence \u2013 lead the industry in terms of price and convenience and is based on the Strategy of production and delivery of products or services. It implies world-class marketing, manufacturing, and distribution processes.<\/li><li>Customer Intimacy \u2013 Long-term customer loyalty and customer profitability is based on the Strategy of tailoring and shaping products to the increasingly fine definitions of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/stream\/customer-centric-design\">Customer-centric Design<\/a>.<\/li><li>Product Leadership \u2013 concentrates on quick commercialization of new ideas. It hinges on market-focused R&amp;D as well as organizational nimbleness and agility.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Interested in learning more about the 8&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/flevypro\/8-perspectives-on-strategy-5339\">definitions of Strategy<\/a>?&nbsp; You&nbsp;can download&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/flevypro\/8-perspectives-on-strategy-5339\">an editable PowerPoint on&nbsp;<strong>8 Perspectives on Strategy<\/strong>&nbsp;here<\/a>&nbsp;on the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\">Flevy documents marketplace<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Want to Achieve Excellence in Strategy Development?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gain the knowledge and develop the expertise to become an expert in Strategy Development.&nbsp; Our frameworks are based on the thought leadership of leading consulting firms, academics, and recognized subject matter experts.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/stream\/strategy-development\">Click here for full details.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Strategy without Tactics is the slowest route to victory.&nbsp; Tactics without Strategy is the noise before defeat.&#8221; &#8211; Sun Tzu&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For effective Strategy Development and Strategic Planning, we must master both Strategy and Tactics.&nbsp; Our frameworks cover all phases of Strategy, from Strategy Design and Formulation to Strategy Deployment and Execution; as well as all levels of Strategy, from Corporate Strategy to Business Strategy to &#8220;Tactical&#8221; Strategy.&nbsp; Many of these methodologies are authored by global strategy consulting firms and have been successfully implemented at their Fortune 100 client organizations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These frameworks include Porter&#8217;s Five Forces, BCG Growth-Share Matrix, Greiner&#8217;s Growth Model, Capabilities-driven Strategy (CDS), Business Model Innovation (BMI), Value Chain Analysis (VCA), Endgame Niche Strategies, Value Patterns, Integrated Strategy Model for Value Creation, Scenario Planning, to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/browse\/stream\/strategy-development\">Learn about our&nbsp;<strong>Strategy Development Best Practice Frameworks<\/strong>&nbsp;here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do You Find Value in This Framework?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can download in-depth presentations on this and hundreds of similar business frameworks from the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/pro\/library\">FlevyPro Library<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/flevy.com\/pro\">FlevyPro<\/a>&nbsp;is trusted and utilized by 1000s of management consultants and corporate executives. Here\u2019s what some have to say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cMy FlevyPro subscription provides me with the most popular frameworks and decks in demand in today\u2019s market. They not only augment my existing consulting and coaching offerings and delivery, but also keep me abreast of the latest trends, inspire new products and service offerings for my practice, and educate me in a fraction of the time and money of other solutions. I strongly recommend FlevyPro to any consultant serious about success.\u201d<\/p><p>\u2013 Bill Branson, Founder at Strategic Business Architects<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cAs a niche strategic consulting firm, Flevy and FlevyPro frameworks and documents are an on-going reference to help us structure our findings and recommendations to our clients as well as improve their clarity, strength, and visual power. For us, it is an invaluable resource to increase our impact and value.\u201d<\/p><p>\u2013 David Coloma, Consulting Area Manager at Cynertia Consulting<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\"><p>\u201cFlevyPro has been a brilliant resource for me, as an independent growth consultant, to access a vast knowledge bank of presentations to support my work with clients. In terms of RoI, the value I received from the very first presentation I downloaded paid for my subscription many times over! The quality of the decks available allows me to punch way above my weight \u2013 it\u2019s like having the resources of a Big 4 consultancy at your fingertips at a microscopic fraction of the overhead.\u201d<\/p><p>\u2013 Roderick Cameron, Founding Partner at SGFE Ltd<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Strategy&nbsp;is about the methods used to attain goals.&nbsp; It\u2019s the \u201chow\u201d of achieving goals\u2014desired future conditions and circumstances towards which effort and resources are spent until their achievement. If Strategy has any meaning at all, it is in relation to some aim or end in view. Strategy is 1 of the 4 dimensions of an [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1129,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[881,323,465,876,889,882,888,877,887,890,891,884,885,892,444,893,601,883,879,878,230,430,880,886],"class_list":["post-1127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-4-dimensions-of-enterprise-structure","tag-competitive-advantage","tag-customer-centric-design","tag-definitions","tag-employed-resources","tag-enterprise-structure","tag-george-steiner","tag-goals","tag-henry-mintzberg","tag-kenneth-andrews","tag-kepner-tregoe","tag-management","tag-michael-porter","tag-michel-robert","tag-operational-excellence","tag-organigraph","tag-organizational-designs","tag-policy","tag-resources","tag-strategies","tag-strategy","tag-strategy-development","tag-tactics","tag-treacy-and-wiersema"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1127","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1127"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1127\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1128,"href":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1127\/revisions\/1128"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1129"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1127"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1127"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/themanwhosoldtheweb.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}