1.5 Perspectives of strategy

Question 1

List four different perspectives of strategy (4 authors)

Answer 1

Mintzberg - 5Ps theory (2008)
Spender - four paradigms (2015)
Maccoby - strategic intelligence (2017)
Argyris - inference and control (1990)

Question 2

What are the “5Ps” in Mintzberg’s 5Ps theory?

Answer 2

1) Plan - giving a direction to a course of action
2) Pattern - a manner of behaving across a period of time
3) Position - the right time and place
4) Perspective - required to give context
5) Ploy - maintaining a competitive edge

Question 3

What are Spender’s (2015) four paradigms for strategy?

Answer 3

1) Goals
2) Judgement
3) People
4) Flexibility

Question 4

What are the four “dimensions” in Maccoby’s “Strategic Intelligence” model?

Answer 4

1) Foresight - what is likely to happen?
2) Visioning - the need to continually improve
3) Partnering - the need to work with others
4) Motivating - the need to inspire others to share our vision.

Question 5

What are the steps in Argyris’ (1990) “ladder of interference”?

Answer 5

Action
Beliefs
Conclusions
Assumptions
Meanings
Data
Observation