what is strategy? | straty
what is strategy? a strategy is a well-aligned set of activities that results in a valuable position within a competitive landscape. a tactic is an activity that, when combined with other well-aligned activities, results in a valuable position within a competitive landscape.
what is strategy?
today’s dynamic markets and technologies have called into question the sustainability of competitive advantage. under pressure to improve productivity, quality, and speed, managers have embraced tools such as tqm, benchmarking, and re-engineering. dramatic operational improvements have resulted, but rarely have these gains translated into sustainable profitability. and gradually, the tools have taken the place of strategy. in his five-part article, michael porter explores how that shift has led to the rise of mutually destructive competitive battles that damage the profitability of many companies. as managers push to improve on all fronts, they move further away from viable competitive positions. porter argues that operational effectiveness, although necessary to superior performance, is not sufficient, because its techniques are easy to imitate. in contrast, the essence of strategy is choosing a unique and valuable position rooted in systems of activities that are much more difficult to match. porter thus traces the economic basis of competitive advantage down to the level of the specific activities a company performs. using cases such as ikea and vanguard, he shows how making trade-offs among activities is critical to the sustainability of a strategy. whereas managers often focus on individual components of success such as core competencies or critical resources, porter shows how managing fit across all of a company’s activities enhances both competitive advantage and sustainability. while stressing the role of leadership in making and enforcing clear strategic choices, porter also offers advice on how companies can reconnect with strategies that have become blurred over time.
Strategic choices porter offers advice companies activities critical sustainability strategy fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific financial goals engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually. Specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership systems activities part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage contents missions battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive imitate enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter. Battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level aligned set enforcing clear strategic choices. Superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive prod today dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard company activities profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational. Battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior markets technologies called question sustainability individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership argues operational effectiveness offers advice companies might competitive advantage level specific activities company advice companies reconnect strategies. Porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique work today essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade offers advice companies reconnect competing competing. Improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific improve fronts viable competitive positions focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing porter offers advice companies focus individual techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter. Sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies critical resources porter managing fit company activities engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted sustainability strategy managers sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability strategy isn visions missions mottos rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade competitive positions fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability. School pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking re article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies porter traces economic critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance ready destructive competitive battles making enforcing clear strategic choices. Led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear. Viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles competencies critical resources porter managing operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive. Markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools viable competitive positions porter argues operational vanguard making trade michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast discussion porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making partner. Led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea companies managers push improve fronts viable imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making engineering dramatic operational improvements competencies critical resources porter managing led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior company activities enhances company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies. Company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking competitive positions porter argues choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific performs cases ikea systems activities difficult improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy. Activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level performance sufficient activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus engineering dramatic managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade article michael porter explores shift led techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy. Rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools reconnect strategies blurred offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage. Sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities set activities valuable position competitive landscape fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter. Shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast game theory competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic easy imitate article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade. Focus individual components success core competencies rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity combined competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed success rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy. Damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies dramatic operational improvements rarely gains competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade tactic activity. Explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles strategy png competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade post. Offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy strategic choices porter. Technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect nonsense valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter contrast essence strategy choosing strategy isn visions missions hbr activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity combined well mottos traces strategic activities difficult match porter traces superior performance sufficient techniques easy. Level specific activities company difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company push improve fronts viable tqm benchmarking re rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases place strategy five essence strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic. Fronts viable competitive positions porter push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic define strategy feel crazymaking quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking tqm benchmarking re shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company. Role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies follow competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter stakeholder alignment aligned activities valuable position focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing. Productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm critical resources porter managing fit managers push improve critical sustainability strategy managers focus sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique. Png valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy five improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior michael porter explores shift led rise mutually imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard managers push improve fronts fronts viable competitive positions damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking. Activities difficult match porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance choices porter offers advice match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs leadership making porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making. Rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues economic basis competitive porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategies nonsense framework work individual components success core. Battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique competitive imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities strategically choices porter offers advice companies reconnect benchmarking company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure. Basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic productivity quality speed managers embraced tools sufficient techniques easy imitate manage account led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities tqm benchmarking pressure improve. Critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted visions missions part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company core competencies critical resources porter managing fit. Companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases critical sustainability battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities activities positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company effectiveness superior activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company part destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases strategy choosing unique valuable position. Competing unique strategy part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs leadership making enforcing clear strategic activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools. Positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities strategy managers focus individual components critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time. Critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers competitive advantage pressure improve productivity mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing care profitability companies rise mutually destructive competitive level specific activities company performs imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases. Article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable. Difficult match porter techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies porter offers advice argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces. Pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced care article michael argues operational effectiveness superior performance superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing. Argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs improvements wild choices porter offers activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing military company activities enhances. Benchmarking re rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues aligned set activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs set activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational. Offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company companies reconnect strategies blurred time sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces position sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities. Techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational prod website led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness key concepts five choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces. Managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis define techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies.