Generic strategies as a strategic impasse

Strategic theories’ mortal embrace

Strategy — map it out yourself

Strategic theories’ mortal embrace

“In such economic conditions, the best strategy is to capture market share,” a man in an expensive dark-blue suit says. “Yes, I agree,” — another man in a dark-grey suit adds, “And I would definitely think of an M&A strategy.” “But what about a cost leadership strategy?” — asks the third man in a suit of indefinite color. This conversation takes place in a company’s conference room as a part of a broad discussion about the company’s strategy organized by the founder. He invited several experts to this discussion, including me. And I believe that this kind of thinking and wording is very dangerous for any company.

Business first, theory second

We don’t know exactly when and where the first businesses appeared, but it certainly happened many years ago. Extensive and successful companies existed in the Venetian Republic, in Great Britain, in the USA, and in many other countries long before the fist book on business theory and …