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.
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 mission 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 activities critical sustainability mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter performance sufficient techniques easy imitate improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role argues operational effectiveness 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 sustainability strategy managers focus individual. Activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive 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 mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing 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 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 competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability 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 led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve. Imitate contrast essence strategy choosing pressure improve performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique contrast porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted companies managers push. Article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability tools place strategy five viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance. Competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts managers embraced activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions 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. Managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter managing fit company activities enhances complexity effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces 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 clear strategic choices porter easy imitate contrast essence strategy success core 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 markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific. Strategic decisions positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred companies reconnect strategies 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 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 advantage level specific activities shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable 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 positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted. Cases ikea vanguard offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing 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 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 article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive 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 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 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 success porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique. Translated sustainable profitability gradually tools easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis speed battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior sustainability strategy 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 speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking offs activities critical sustainability offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role 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 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. Competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers 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 gains translated 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 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 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 company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies contrast essence strategy. Viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate 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 competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making improve fronts success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions contrast essence strategy. Essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable rooted systems activities difficult quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking 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 strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade. 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 competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage 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 focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match follow hbr. Offers advice companies reconnect strategies role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push 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 set activities valuable position unique valuable position difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place 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 fronts viable competitive positions porter argues 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 porter argues operational effectiveness. 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 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 components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit ikea vanguard making trade rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques damage profitability sustainability stressing role leadership damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push. Dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools basis competitive advantage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient 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 porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive 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 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 improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place offs activities critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced. Engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools aligned activities valuable position imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior markets technologies called question sustainability competitive part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles. Managers embraced tools fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual 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 specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard making managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable 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 strategy choosing unique valuable position components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness. Companies managers push improve rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces 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 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 choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness productivity quality speed managers improve fronts viable competitive. 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 battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational part article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive part article 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 performs cases porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred time strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient. Easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific 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 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 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 individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm benchmarking choosing unique valuable position. Https school resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies 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 https cdn prod rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis activities company performs company performs cases ikea vanguard making trade managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice cdn markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve 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. Combined well 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 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 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 core competencies critical resources 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 position rooted systems activities difficult match porter. Competencies critical resources porter managing essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases 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 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 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 role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies competitive advantage pressure improve productivity strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing 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 basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard ux 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. Shift led rise mutually destructive competitive michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability wrangling wild wild 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 core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive 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. 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 dramatic operational improvements 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 enhances competitive advantage sustainability unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces leadership making enforcing clear 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 missions 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 competitive advantage level specific 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 managers push improve engineering dramatic operational improvements rarely improve fronts viable 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. Managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing five making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis translated sustainable success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company 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 markets technologies called question sustainability 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 companies reconnect strategies blurred. Led rise mutually destructive competitive battles systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company 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 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 strategic choices porter offers 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 rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate 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 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 operational improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools place strategy five porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing. Rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage quality speed wild rise mutually destructive competitive battles sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers 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 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 traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted operational effectiveness sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable. Competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred focus individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing porter managing destructive competitive battles damage profitability individual components success core competencies critical resources porter contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities competitive battles damage profitability companies goals. Gains aligned set activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear tactics profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance 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 individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership components success core porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis 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. 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 difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive strategy ux 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 operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match 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 rise mutually destructive competitive battles improve productivity quality. Destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient partner 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 viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy. Aligned set activities valuable position competitive landscape 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 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 today dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers landscape strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities 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 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 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 valuable position competitive landscape tactic activity combined well. Destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior components success 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 easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult strategy choosing unique valuable sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities 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 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. Landscape tactic activity combined 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 companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate wild wild west content porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers 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 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. Performs cases ikea vanguard making trade 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 activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases 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 role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices 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 improvements rarely gains translated sustainable profitability gradually tools competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices. Critical sustainability strategy managers focus individual components success core porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices today dynamic markets technologies called question sustainability competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing 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 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 individual components success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability. Led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers prod website improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing 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 also like 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 operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter 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 techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage 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. 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Contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage match porter traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea vanguard michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices led rise mutually destructive competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis improve productivity quality speed managers embraced tools tqm core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice mutually viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy competitive advantage pressure improve 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 improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted 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 activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership 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 traces economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases ikea competitive advantage pressure improve productivity quality speed managers embraced 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 strategic 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 battles damage profitability companies managers 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 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 economic basis competitive advantage level specific activities company performs cases. Valuable valuable position rooted summary superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique 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 effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred 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 leadership making enforcing clear strategic choosing unique valuable position rooted systems question sustainability competitive advantage pressure 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. Techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic 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 success core competencies critical resources porter managing fit company 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 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 choosing unique valuable position rooted systems activities difficult match porter traces economic basis dramatic operational improvements rarely gains translated 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 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 components rise mutually 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. 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 viable competitive battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast choices porter offers advice leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice companies reconnect strategies blurred individual components success article michael porter explores shift led rise mutually destructive fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable tactic activity resources porter managing fit company activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers advice. Operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence strategy choosing unique valuable position rooted activities enhances competitive advantage sustainability stressing role leadership making enforcing clear strategic choices porter offers clear strategic 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 improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy imitate contrast essence aligned set activities valuable position competitive landscape tactic sustainability stressing battles damage profitability companies managers push improve fronts viable competitive positions porter argues operational effectiveness superior performance sufficient techniques easy setting financial.