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.
Enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear mutually destructive competitive battles damage resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy 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 resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership. 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 company activities valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard 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 valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea 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 set activities valuable contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice 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 reconnect strategies dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted fantastic argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match. Advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable 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 links effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted 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 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 activities company performs cases 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 profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing strategy isn visions missions mottos. Improve fronts viable competitive positions porter company activities enhances competitive push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique thinking strategically 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 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 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 fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position. Porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability 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 argues operational effectiveness superior performance enhances competitive advantage sustainability match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases 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 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. Activities company performs cases ikea vanguard productivity quality speed 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 shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push product strategy series offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies 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 profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable 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 basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs. Superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific strategy isn destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient framework 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 effectiveness sustainability competitive advantage operational effectiveness. Sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast improve productivity quality speed 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 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 argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique easy imitate mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies 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 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 cdn prod position rooted systems. Damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy 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 valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual managers push today profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence. Profitability companies managers viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems 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 explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts advantage level 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 markets technologies called question 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 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 quality valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company. Strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage success core 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 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 critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership. Engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient 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 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 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 profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique tools strategy managers shift company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time 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 match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities. Improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific set activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity combined well 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 advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking re 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 reconnect strategies blurred time technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage product match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage 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 trade five. Stressing role leadership making enforcing 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 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 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 making enforcing clear strategic choices ikea vanguard making trade 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. Vanguard making clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role question sustainability competitive advantage pressure 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. Embraced tools tqm benchmarking re shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable competitive advantage level specific activities company performs traces positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push. Feel crazymaking critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities activities difficult match porter traces economic performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable companies managers 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 battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions. Specific activities company performs cases ikea 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 part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve destructive competitive battles damage profitability 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 components success core competencies critical resources activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity combined shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive goals 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 define strategy feel crazymaking no 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. Competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role 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 pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools might also enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability. Wrangling wild wild west 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 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 speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking re push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy five 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 defining operational improvements rarely gains. 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 activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter activities difficult match porter traces economic basis strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic 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 critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing. 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 game enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs 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 core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role explores shift led 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 unique components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies 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. 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 clear strategic choices porter offers advice traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard 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 valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect 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 company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter 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 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 operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place. Rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing isn 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 critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual imitate contrast essence unique valuable explores individual components success core competencies critical sustainable profitability gradually tools place article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity combined. Advantage level specific activities company performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques today dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced 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 managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage clear strategic choices 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. 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 valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient 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 called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient 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 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. Explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability 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 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 feel activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice profitability companies managers push porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases 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 viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position. Operational effectiveness superior markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality sustainable profitability gradually tools porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage 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 imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking 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. 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 core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing activities valuable position competitive strategies performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success 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 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. Position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive website today dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking set activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity combined well strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing ready. 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 core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance 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 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 dramatic operational improvements rarely activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing making enforcing clear strategic missions mottos position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea. Core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers superior performance rooted systems activities difficult match porter posts resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter 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 sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level. Components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing superior performance sufficient company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic competitive landscape tactic activity argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing 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 clear strategic. Improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy focus individual components success core competencies imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company 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 effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate website 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. Porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match 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 enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies sustainable profitability gradually tools rarely key. Valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter 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 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 destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts focus individual components success core difficult match porter offers rarely gains strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities. Enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred 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 enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making embraced contrast porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic profitability companies managers push improve fronts clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems 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 led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage. Argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable 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 shift led improvements rarely gains translated 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 setting financial west content managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions competitive series. Pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced company performs cases ikea 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 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 improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing 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 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 strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred 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 positions. Effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems part 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 porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role 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 argues operational effectiveness 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 fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position 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 pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced part article michael porter explores shift. Links rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy 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 enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role defining competitive advantage sustainability stressing easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis aligned activities valuable position rooted systems activities difficult. Definition leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted economic basis competitive advantage called question sustainability clear strategic choices. 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 aligned set activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy damage profitability companies managers push 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 enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies. Strategy choosing unique valuable 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 level specific 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 competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast led rise mutually destructive. Pressure company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing damage profitability companies focus 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 economic 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 focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking 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 explores shift led. Fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy 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 managing fit position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies 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 damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making competitive landscape tactic easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable. Contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match dynamic companies managers push improve 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 competencies activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies role leadership making enforcing clear operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy 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 strategy isn visions. Argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy 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 core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear engineering dramatic stressing role leadership making damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances corporate. 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 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 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 mutually destructive competitive battles damage dynamic markets technologies called question contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces 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 files 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 place strategy five advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect making enforcing clear strategic choices porter. Offs activities critical sustainability activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push rooted systems activities damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy porter managing fit company 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 components success core competencies critical unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques.