10 Schools of Thoughts

University of Sheffield

BA HONS: Combined Studies

Business, Management and Organisation

Managing Corporate Strategy

Level Three

Assignment No.1

Tracie Flanagan

11th October 2004

Kym Drady

Managing Corporate Strategy

Tracie Flanagan

There are many paradigms on the origins of strategy. Critically evaluate the various schools of thought existing in both the prescriptive and emergent schools. Use each of the schools as ‘Lens’ to analyse organisation known to you.

A strategy is a statement of intent, defining where an organisation wants to be in the long term. It is about understanding what processes are involved and how to avoid difficulties to help plan successful strategies. Strategy was once defined as “the art of planning and directing large military movements and the operations of war.” However, from an organisation point of view it is about mapping out the company’s future and setting out which of its products or services they will tackle to which market and how this will be done.

When an organisation has a strategy it enables them to ensure that decisions made on a day-to-day basis fit in with its long term interests. Strategies are also important as any decisions an organisation makes today can have a negative impact on its future results. A strategy will also help encourage employees, departments etc to work together to achieve common goals

There are many beliefs on the origins of strategy and many authors have written about this. In 1996, Michael Porter wrote an article that appeared in the Harvard Business Review in which he argued that competitive strategy is was about being different. He also stated,

“It means deliberately choosing a different set of activities to deliver a unique mix of value” Porter (1996)

Porter believed that strategy was about having a competitive advantage, distinguishing your products and services in the eyes of your customers, and...