The Strategy Process: Concepts, Context, Cases (4th Edition) [Hardcover]

Henry Mintzberg (Author), Joseph B. Lampel (Author), James Brian Quinn (Author), Sumantra Ghoshal (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0130479136 | ISBN-13: 978-0130479136 | Publication Date: August 12, 2002 | Edition: 4

This collection of readings, edited by Henry Mintzberg, is combined with cases from James Brian Quinn. Together they present an up–to–date look at how actual companies act strategically and the research driving them. Strategies. Strategists. Formulating Strategy. Analyzing Strategy. Strategy Formation. Strategic Change. Cognition. Organization. Technology. Collaboration. Globalization. Values. Managing Start-Up. Managing Maturity. Managing Experts. Managing Innovation. Managing Diversity. Managing Otherwise.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This collection of readings, edited by Henry Mintzberg, is combined with cases from James Brian Quinn. Together they present an up–to–date look at how actual companies act strategically and the research driving them. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From the Back Cover

"We tried to provide the reader with a richness of theory, a richness of practice, and a strong basis for linkage between the two. We rejected the strictly case study approach, which leaves theory out altogether, or soft-pedals it, and thereby denies the accumulated benefits of many years of careful research and thought about management processes. We also rejected an alternate approach that forces on readers a highly rationalistic model of how the strategy process should function. We collaborated on this book because we believe that in this complex world of organizations a range of concepts is needed to cut through and illuminate particular aspects of that complexity.

There is no 'one best way' to create strategy, nor is there 'one best form' of organization. Quite different forms work well in particular contexts. We believe that exploring a full variety systematically will create a deeper and more useful appreciation of the strategy process. In this revised edition, we remain loyal to these beliefs and objectives."

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 489 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 4 edition (August 12, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130479136
• ISBN-13: 978-0130479136
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #208,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Strategy Process, December 31, 2005

By 

Elijah Chingosho "Dr Elijah Chingosho" (Nairobi, Kenya) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Strategy Process: Concepts, Context, Cases (4th Edition) (Hardcover)

The authors of "The Strategy Process..", produced a high quality textbook on strategic planning and management. The authors show the complexity of the subject and the need for managers to exercise caution in using prescriptive systems in the highly dynamic, uncertain and complex operating environment. The book avoids taking a simplistic view to the subject but take a realistic approach of presenting various approaches that managers can use depending on their peculiar circumstances. Having grasped the various concepts, leaders of organisations can then use their judgement to come up with appropriate decisions and actions. The book focuses on developing the ability of managers to make informed judgements based on analysis, synthesis, experience and intuition and harnessing the collective skills and expertise of their organisations.

The book shows how strategy formulation and implementation are intimately intertwined as complex interactive processes in which politics, values and organisational cultures and management styles determine or constrain particular strategic decisions.

Top managers have to make judgements on various unknown and difficult to predict factors and integrate external considerations about technologies, limited resources, competitions, markets, societal attitudes, cultural differences, government regulations and environmental issues. Internally, they have to make judgements on organisational structures, systems, staff, physical resources, existing and potential power bases and bureaucracies.

The chief executive officer has the challenging task of mediating between the various aspects of the internal and external environment and exercises his skills, judicious exercise of power and often make highly qualitative (rather than quantitative) choices from a wide range of possible options.

The book will enable the reader to understand the wide range of issues involved in strategy.

The book has a wide range of cases and articles that give the reader the opportunity to develop and exercise judgements on strategic issues. Although experience is the best teacher, these case studies and articles shorten the training time of managers. The cases cover a wide range of issues and perspectives. The reader can practice their judgement that should develop an awareness of the complex and subtle issues typical in the business world. The cases should highlight the limitations and the reasoning behind various theories and the limitations of standard answers based on conventional wisdom.

The book is recommended reading for those seeking a more in-depth insight into both the theory and practice of strategic management. For students embarking on advanced strategic planning, say at MBA or doctoral level, this is required reading and important reference material.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great strategy process manual, August 13, 2011

By 

A&D (New York, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Strategy Process: Concepts, Context and Cases (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

This book is really a manual of strategies and strategy process. It has lots of cases and articles that give the readers the opportunity to understand different strategic issues arising in different companies.

The book is recommended reading for MBA students and also in many business schools. It is excellent reading for those readers who are looking for more detailed information of strategy process, theory and planning.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars MBA book for a strategy class, June 3, 2011

By 

Rick - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Strategy Process: Concepts, Context, Cases (4th Edition) (Hardcover)

This book is for an MBA class. Its a Hardcover and in good condition. I am very pleased with this purchase. Delivery was timely.