Tsun Zu

Modern University for Business and Science

Strategic Management (MBA 7002)

Case study 2: The Art of War

Bassem Al Fakih

Instructor: Ahmad Farhat

Sun Tzu (also rendered as Sun Zi) was a Chinese military general, strategist and philosopher who lived in the Spring and Autumn Period of ancient China1. Sun Tzu’s philosophy and strategies in his book The Art of War was used as a major reference to now a day’s business strategies. Back at his time business was less thought about as most of his strategies reflect upon war, Tzu’s strategies later was adopted and implemented by businesses around the world, as they also reflect competition and war to dominate the business scene in all its levels and criteria. The strategies shown in the book can be and are applicable to business strategies, the principles are basically the same as they deal with competitors, competition in general, and leadership in the business domain.

“If ten times the enemy's strength surround them; if five times, attack

them; if double, divide them; if equal, be able to fight them; if fewer, be able to evade them; if weaker, be able to avoid them. “

These terms found in the book well reflect the weaknesses and strength of a competitor, and identifies the counter strategy that the company can implement in the market.

“One who knows when he can fight, and when he cannot fight, will be victorious; one who knows how to use both large and small forces will be victorious; one who knows how to unite upper and lower ranks in purpose will be victorious; one who is prepared and waits for the unprepared will be victorious; one whose general is able and is not interfered by the ruler will be victorious.”

These terms reflect leadership in its higher level. A business leader same as a war general should know when to attack and fight and to use different strategies and connect with his staff and workers in all levels, to guarantee a well coordinated implementation of the...