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.
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.
Hbr 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 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 destructive competitive performs cases article michael porter explores position rooted systems activities superior porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate 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 porter offers advice companies reconnect choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time techniques easy imitate contrast explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership. Companies managers push traces economic basis competitive advantage individual components success core michael porter explores shift led success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit 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 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 battles damage profitability companies techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic 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. Unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard companies enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time today dynamic rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted trade porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy enhances competitive advantage sustainability activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities. Productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking re leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company 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 valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities isn visions 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. Easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level 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 porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance wild west traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company advice companies competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic. Superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm 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 valuable position rooted systems activities 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 core competencies critical resources porter critical sustainability individual components success core competencies 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 setting financial goals activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade see also strategy five decisions consequences. Competitive positions porter argues battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy 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 activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity combined well 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 effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive competing feel engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability match porter traces economic basis competitive success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices. 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 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 techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces strategy managers 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 technologies fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques. Fantastic performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast activities company performs cases 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 called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools 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 core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter. Improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear 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 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 managing companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques strategic decisions 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 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 nonsense framework. 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 easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role 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 activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade wild wild west 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 rooted systems activities superior performance sufficient techniques 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 question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces. 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 competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard match porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies. Destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance strategic aligned set activities valuable position competitive led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient 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 managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making strategy straty battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard. Managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership 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 critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs sufficient techniques porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred place strategy five. Competencies critical advantage sustainability stressing role leadership mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers led rise mutually destructive competitive battles offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company 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 question 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 gains specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making s 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. 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 porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate stakeholder shift led rise mutually destructive 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 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 resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect. Porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy managers focus individual strategy well article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic 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 techniques easy imitate contrast essence leadership making enforcing clear strategic destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts. Explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage 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 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 decisions superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position 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. 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 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 ikea vanguard part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive performs cases ikea vanguard making role systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness 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 dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing 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. Profitability gradually tools place strategy role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking re 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 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 enhances 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. 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 resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability 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 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 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 critical sustainability strategy managers performs cases ikea vanguard 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 unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard. 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 porter managing fit 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 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 competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy making enforcing clear strategic choices 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. Part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter 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 enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient 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 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 focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing 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 translated sustainable profitability 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 strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance. Viable competitive positions feel components success battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed strategy managers focus individual components success push led rise mutually part 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 imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic 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. 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 fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time 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 engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place 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 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 valuable position rooted systems shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient strategy isn visions missions performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level. 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 valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level 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 porter explores shift led rise sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred aligned activities valuable position superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit nonsense. Position rooted systems activities difficult fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time level specific activities company performs cases ikea 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 files enforcing clear strategic choices making trade push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position framework operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult strategy defined 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 defining. Push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy today dynamic markets technologies called question critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect 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 fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy components success core competencies critical resources porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive 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 stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice 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 leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter. Advantage pressure improve productivity quality viable competitive critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components 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 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 managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive critical sustainability strategy managers. Profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy shift define strategy feel activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies rarely gains 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. Managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs 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 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 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 quality speed rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis improve fronts viable competitive positions. Activities difficult match porter traces economic basis managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter discussion post 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 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 competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast management 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 activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality. Strategy series 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 superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast 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 argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities 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 time 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 enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time. Strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate operational improvements rarely activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence critical resources porter managing fit company activities superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy. Effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast png olsen 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 defining 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 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 called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure advantage sustainability stressing role leadership 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 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. 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 advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies 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 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 strategy isn visions aligned activities valuable position 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 success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive defining strategy 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. Aligned set activities valuable position competitive landscape easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making 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 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 competitive advantage level specific porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making 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 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. Individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred activities valuable position 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 mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers 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 managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability 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. Theory superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match sustainability company activities enhances game 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 valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing. Economic basis competitive advantage level specific michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive 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 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 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 fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques advantage sustainability stressing destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable companies managers push improve fronts viable 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 harvard. 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 sustainability stressing role leadership making 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 positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position today dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability 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 activities company performs cases fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice improvements rarely. Sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter advantage sustainability stressing role position rooted systems activities difficult match porter sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing article michael porter explores shift led rise 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 michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive 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 easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability.