Patterns of Strategy

by

Below some notes about this book written by Patrick Hoverstadt and Lucy Loh.

Strategy is a pattern in a stream of decisions

Henry Mintzberg

There are 3 dimensions in patterns of strategy:

  • Fit: ability to survive.
  • Power, ability to trade and create value.
  • Time: window of temporal opportunity

During the strategic thinking process, to become aware of the forces at work in your organization is one of the primary duties.

Dimensions of Strategy

Strategic fit elements

The fit elements are:

  • Differentiation (how similar or different each actor is);
  • Drive (the relative impact each actor has in driving change in the coupling); and
  • Stretch (for each organization, how it is changing within the relationship, either because of the structural coupling or through self-initiated change).

Strategic power elements

The power elements are:

  • Strength (relatively stronger or weaker than the other actor); and
  • Concentration (the spread of activities where power is used, relative to the other actor).

Strategic time element

  • Which actor is faster.

6 levels of organizational typologies

  1. Doctrine/policy
  2. Capability / infrastructure
  3. Grand strategy: sector, geographies where you want to play the game.
  4. Strategy
  5. Planning
  6. Tactics

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