Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

3-2009

Abstract

When top executives undertake big moves – dramatic shifts in strategic direction – their decisions can make or break a company. This paper aims to offer a methodology for cutting the risks of making a catastrophic misstep. To avoid a corporate disaster and increase the chances of a smart and ultimately successful big move the paper raises six critical questions that must be answered honestly and unequivocally by managers. The research indicates that there are five classic types of big move, each corresponding to a different position on the corporate performance curve: finding a new game; going for growth; getting into shape; relaunching growth; and restoring profitability. The paper outlines the ego traps of each big move and how to avoid them. By defining the critical six questions and revealing the ego traps and how to avoid them the paper provides a valuable learning guide and checklist for top management.

Keywords

strategy, corporate renewal, Strategic planning, Risk assessment, Value chain

Discipline

Strategic Management Policy

Research Areas

Strategy and Organisation

Publication

Strategy and Leadership

Volume

37

Issue

2

First Page

21

Last Page

26

ISSN

1087-8572

Identifier

10.1108/10878570910941181

Publisher

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1108/10878570910941181

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