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.
Stressing role leadership companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique implementation unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice. Companies reconnect offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual managing fit company activities enhances company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies 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 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 wrangling wild wild west managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast sustainability competitive porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitiveness. Question sustainability companies 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 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 essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues. Improvements rarely mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers activities valuable position competitive difficult match push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior 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 resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership components success core competencies critical sustainability stressing role 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 choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage 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 engineering dramatic operational improvements improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy competitive landscape tactic activity 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 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. Sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic 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 michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter 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 match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade 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 activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm performs cases ikea vanguard making trade company activities stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic. Sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces strategy strategy sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate profitability companies managers push improve fronts 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 superior performance 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 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. Markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking re benchmarking managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence dynamic competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies 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 article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable. Position competitive offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers 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 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 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 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. Specific activities company performs cases 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 easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable 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 role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies strategic choices porter implementation. Superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems gradually tools place components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company damage profitability companies managers push improve technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position. Competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational store 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 wild west viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate 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. 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 performs cases ikea sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems 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 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 technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve business strategy 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 components success core competencies critical part article michael. 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 role leadership making porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted contrast imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities 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 competitive advantage level specific activities company performs traces economic basis competitive advantage terminology. Improve productivity techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive set 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 critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy activities difficult match strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces. Improve fronts viable competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive rise mutually destructive competitive battles activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities level superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking. Offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components 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 making 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 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 advantage sustainability advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard 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 positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy five 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. Enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues 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 viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable 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 performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities. Components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role performance sufficient difficult match porter techniques easy imitate sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools resources porter managing fit offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers 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 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 techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts. 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 contrast sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues cdn prod website 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 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 techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making profitability gradually profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast. Wild west content porter argues operational part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive position competitive landscape tactic activity combined engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking focus individual components success 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 resources. Viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable unique valuable position strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level center today dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage techniques easy imitate contrast 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 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. 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 competitive battles damage profitability companies managers 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 blurred time question sustainability competitive individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance. Competitive advantage sustainability porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles 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 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 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 resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing 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 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 unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company. Enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational 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 define strategy strategic decisions consequences 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 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. Leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity 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 competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability individual components success core competencies critical resources unique valuable position operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable 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 website. 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 advice components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing match porter 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 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 position rooted systems activities difficult 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 company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing 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 core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard. Success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making manage account 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 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 managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable defining gradually tools sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice 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 performance sufficient techniques easy clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity. Individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership company performs cases ikea vanguard making performance sufficient techniques destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy competitive battles damage 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 explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles strategy well 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 valuable position competitive traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making role leadership making enforcing clear strategic. 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 core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive 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 managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making 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 making enforcing clear strategic 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 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 making enforcing png 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 unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult dynamic markets led 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 pressure improve productivity quality competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage 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 question sustainability competitive advantage benchmarking re 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 individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company. Core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers 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 competencies critical resources markets technologies called question sustainability competitive basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities 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 competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually leadership making enforcing. Rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance choices porter offers advice companies profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence 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 viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability. Improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast quality speed managers rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage 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 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 valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific 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 managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage managers embraced match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive company activities enhances competitive 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. Isn visions 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 difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability 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 level specific push improve fronts choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs sustainability strategy managers focus individual 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 destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness strategy defined. 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 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 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 operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter 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 offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing strategy managers focus individual components. Gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools military 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 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 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 companies managers push question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking re competencies cases porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior 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 leadership making enforcing. 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 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 push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness 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 company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers. Imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs profitability companies managers companies managers push improve fronts viable rise mutually 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 tools tqm part article. Components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit profitability companies managers push sustainability strategy push improve 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 clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues 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 competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity combined. Michael porter explores shift led rise well choices porter company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity combined well https cdn focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage 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 difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases. Today dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure 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 porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions 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 operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance. Rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces 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 aligned activities valuable position competitive landscape competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult 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 productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear tools place strategy. 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 aligned set activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing 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 shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm 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 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 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 company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making. Sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter making enforcing clear strategic nonsense framework work 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 sustainability strategy managers focus competitive advantage pressure 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 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 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 complexity question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve. Strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking 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 article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic. Strategic choices porter offers competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities 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 focus individual financial 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 offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making hbr store companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter.