Strategy Safari by Henry Mintzberg, Bruce Ahlstrand, and Joseph Lampel

Last updated: Sep 29, 2023

Summary of Strategy Safari by Henry Mintzberg, Bruce Ahlstrand, and Joseph Lampel

Strategy Safari by Henry Mintzberg, Bruce Ahlstrand, and Joseph Lampel is a comprehensive exploration of the various schools of thought in the field of strategic management. The book provides a detailed analysis of ten different strategic management perspectives, or "schools," and offers insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and practical applications.

The authors begin by introducing the concept of strategy and its importance in organizations. They argue that strategy is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather a complex and multifaceted concept that can be understood through different lenses. They then proceed to examine each of the ten schools of thought, providing a historical overview, key concepts, and real-world examples for each.

The first school discussed is the Design School, which emphasizes the importance of a clear and well-defined strategy. This school views strategy as a process of analysis and planning, with a focus on achieving a fit between the organization and its environment.

The second school is the Planning School, which builds upon the Design School's ideas but places a greater emphasis on formalized planning processes. This school advocates for a systematic approach to strategy formulation and implementation, with a strong emphasis on setting goals and objectives.

The third school is the Positioning School, which emphasizes the importance of finding a unique and advantageous position in the market. This school draws heavily from the field of marketing and argues that strategy should be focused on creating a sustainable competitive advantage.

The fourth school is the Entrepreneurial School, which views strategy as a visionary and opportunistic process. This school argues that successful strategies are often the result of bold and innovative actions taken by entrepreneurial leaders.

The fifth school is the Cognitive School, which focuses on the mental processes involved in strategy formulation. This school argues that strategy is shaped by individual and collective cognitive processes, and that understanding these processes is crucial for effective strategy development.

The sixth school is the Learning School, which emphasizes the importance of organizational learning and adaptation. This school argues that strategy should be seen as an ongoing process of experimentation and adaptation, rather than a one-time decision.

The seventh school is the Power School, which views strategy as a political process. This school argues that strategy is shaped by power dynamics within organizations, and that understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective strategy implementation.

The eighth school is the Cultural School, which focuses on the role of organizational culture in shaping strategy. This school argues that strategy is deeply influenced by the values, beliefs, and norms of an organization, and that understanding these cultural dynamics is crucial for effective strategy development.

The ninth school is the Environmental School, which emphasizes the importance of external factors in shaping strategy. This school argues that strategy should be responsive to changes in the external environment, and that organizations should adapt their strategies accordingly.

The final school discussed is the Configuration School, which takes a holistic and integrative approach to strategy. This school argues that strategy should be seen as a complex system of interrelated elements, and that understanding these elements and their relationships is crucial for effective strategy formulation and implementation.

Throughout the book, the authors provide a balanced and nuanced analysis of each school of thought, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. They also emphasize the importance of adopting a multi-perspective approach to strategy, as no single school can fully capture the complexity of strategic management.

In conclusion, Strategy Safari is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the various schools of thought in strategic management. The book provides a valuable resource for both academics and practitioners, offering a rich understanding of the different perspectives and approaches to strategy formulation and implementation.

1. The 10 Schools of Strategy

In Strategy Safari, the authors present ten different schools of thought on strategy, each with its own unique perspective and approach. These schools include the Design, Planning, Positioning, Entrepreneurial, Cognitive, Learning, Power, Cultural, Environmental, and Configuration schools. Understanding these different schools can help individuals and organizations develop a more comprehensive and flexible approach to strategy. By recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of each school, one can draw upon a variety of perspectives to create a more effective strategy.

For example, the Design school emphasizes the importance of a clear and deliberate strategy, while the Learning school focuses on adapting and evolving strategies based on feedback and experience. By combining these two schools, an organization can develop a strategy that is both intentional and responsive to changing circumstances. The ten schools of strategy provide a framework for understanding the diverse approaches to strategy and can help individuals and organizations navigate the complexities of strategic decision-making.

2. The Importance of Context

Strategy Safari emphasizes the importance of considering the context in which strategy is developed and implemented. The authors argue that strategy is not a one-size-fits-all approach and that different contexts require different strategies. They highlight the influence of external factors such as industry dynamics, market conditions, and competitive forces on strategy formulation.

For example, the authors discuss how the Power school of strategy is particularly relevant in industries with high levels of political influence, while the Positioning school is more applicable in industries with intense competition. By understanding the context in which strategy is being developed, individuals and organizations can tailor their approach to better align with the specific challenges and opportunities they face.

3. The Role of Leadership

Strategy Safari explores the role of leadership in shaping and implementing strategy. The authors argue that effective leaders are able to navigate the complexities of strategy by drawing upon multiple schools of thought and adapting their approach to the specific context. They highlight the importance of leadership in setting a clear direction, aligning resources, and inspiring others to achieve strategic objectives.

By understanding the different schools of strategy, leaders can leverage the strengths of each approach and create a more holistic and effective strategy. The authors also emphasize the importance of leadership in driving strategy implementation and ensuring that strategic initiatives are executed successfully. They argue that leadership is not just about developing a strategy, but also about mobilizing the organization to achieve strategic goals.

4. The Role of Organizational Culture

Strategy Safari explores the influence of organizational culture on strategy formulation and implementation. The authors argue that culture shapes the way individuals and groups think, behave, and make decisions, and therefore has a significant impact on strategy. They highlight the importance of aligning strategy with the existing culture and leveraging cultural strengths to drive strategic success.

For example, the authors discuss how the Cultural school of strategy emphasizes the importance of shared values and beliefs in shaping strategy. By understanding and leveraging the existing culture, organizations can create a strategy that is more likely to be embraced and implemented by employees. The authors also highlight the role of leadership in shaping and changing organizational culture to better align with strategic objectives.

5. The Role of Learning and Adaptation

Strategy Safari emphasizes the importance of learning and adaptation in strategy formulation and implementation. The authors argue that strategy is not a static plan, but rather a dynamic process that requires continuous learning and adjustment. They highlight the importance of feedback, experimentation, and reflection in improving strategic decision-making.

By embracing a Learning school approach to strategy, individuals and organizations can become more agile and responsive to changing circumstances. The authors also discuss the role of organizational learning in driving strategic success, highlighting the importance of creating a culture of learning and knowledge sharing.

6. The Influence of Power and Politics

Strategy Safari explores the influence of power and politics on strategy formulation and implementation. The authors argue that strategy is not just a rational and analytical process, but also a political one. They highlight the importance of understanding and navigating power dynamics within organizations to achieve strategic objectives.

By recognizing the influence of power and politics, individuals and organizations can better understand the motivations and interests of key stakeholders and develop strategies that are more likely to be accepted and supported. The authors also discuss the role of power in shaping strategy, highlighting how powerful individuals and groups can influence strategic decision-making.

7. The Role of Intuition and Creativity

Strategy Safari emphasizes the role of intuition and creativity in strategy formulation. The authors argue that strategy is not just a rational and analytical process, but also a creative and intuitive one. They highlight the importance of embracing ambiguity, uncertainty, and non-linear thinking in developing innovative and effective strategies.

By encouraging and valuing intuition and creativity, individuals and organizations can break free from conventional thinking and develop strategies that are truly unique and impactful. The authors also discuss the role of intuition in decision-making, highlighting how intuitive insights can complement and enhance analytical reasoning.

8. The Need for Balance and Integration

Strategy Safari emphasizes the need for balance and integration in strategy formulation and implementation. The authors argue that effective strategies require a combination of different perspectives, approaches, and tools. They highlight the importance of avoiding the pitfalls of over-reliance on a single school of thought or a narrow focus on specific aspects of strategy.

By seeking balance and integration, individuals and organizations can develop strategies that are more comprehensive, robust, and adaptable. The authors also discuss the role of synthesis in strategy, highlighting how the integration of diverse perspectives can lead to more innovative and effective strategic solutions.