Deliberate Strategy vs. Emergent Strategy

Attribute	Deliberate Strategy	Emergent Strategy
Definition	Planned and intentional approach to achieving specific goals	Unplanned and emerging approach that evolves over time
Origin	Developed by top management	Arises from the collective actions and decisions of individuals within an organization
Goal Setting	Clear and predetermined goals	Goals may emerge and evolve as the strategy unfolds
Flexibility	Less flexible, as it follows a predefined plan	More flexible, adapting to changing circumstances
Control	Greater control over the strategy execution	Less control, as it emerges from various sources
Decision-making	Centralized decision-making by top management	Decisions made by individuals at various levels within the organization
Risk	Lower risk due to careful planning	Higher risk due to uncertainty and lack of planning
Adaptability	May struggle to adapt to unexpected changes	More adaptable to unexpected changes

Introduction

In the world of business, strategy plays a crucial role in determining the success and growth of an organization. Two prominent approaches to strategy formulation are deliberate strategy and emergent strategy. While both aim to guide an organization towards its goals, they differ in their origins, flexibility, and adaptability. In this article, we will explore the attributes of deliberate strategy and emergent strategy, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.

Deliberate Strategy

Deliberate strategy refers to a proactive and planned approach to strategy formulation. It involves a systematic analysis of an organization's internal and external environment, followed by a carefully crafted plan to achieve specific objectives. Deliberate strategy is typically developed by top-level management and is based on a thorough understanding of the market, competition, and the organization's capabilities.

One of the key attributes of deliberate strategy is its intentionality. It is driven by a clear vision and a set of well-defined goals. This approach allows organizations to align their resources, capabilities, and activities towards a common purpose. Deliberate strategy provides a sense of direction and helps in making informed decisions, as it is based on a comprehensive analysis of the business landscape.

Another attribute of deliberate strategy is its emphasis on control and predictability. By carefully planning and executing a predetermined course of action, organizations can minimize uncertainties and risks. Deliberate strategy provides a structured framework that enables efficient resource allocation, goal setting, and performance measurement. It allows organizations to establish a strong foundation and maintain stability in a rapidly changing business environment.

However, deliberate strategy also has its limitations. Its rigidity and inflexibility can hinder an organization's ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances or exploit emerging opportunities. In a dynamic and unpredictable market, sticking to a predetermined plan may lead to missed opportunities or failure to respond effectively to competitive threats. Deliberate strategy may also overlook valuable insights and ideas that emerge from the lower levels of the organization.

Emergent Strategy

Emergent strategy, on the other hand, is a more flexible and adaptive approach to strategy formulation. It recognizes that the future is uncertain and that strategies need to evolve in response to changing circumstances. Unlike deliberate strategy, emergent strategy emerges organically from the collective actions and decisions of individuals at various levels of the organization.

One of the key attributes of emergent strategy is its responsiveness. It allows organizations to quickly adapt to market changes, customer preferences, and technological advancements. Emergent strategy encourages experimentation, learning, and innovation, as it embraces the idea that the best strategies are often discovered through trial and error. This approach enables organizations to seize unexpected opportunities and navigate through turbulent times.

Another attribute of emergent strategy is its inclusiveness. By involving employees at all levels in the strategy formulation process, organizations can tap into a diverse range of perspectives and ideas. This bottom-up approach fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among employees, leading to increased motivation and engagement. Emergent strategy encourages collaboration and creativity, as it values the collective intelligence of the entire organization.

However, emergent strategy also has its drawbacks. Its decentralized nature can lead to a lack of coordination and alignment across different departments or business units. Without a clear overarching direction, organizations may struggle to achieve their long-term goals. Emergent strategy also requires a high level of agility and adaptability, which may be challenging for organizations with rigid structures or cultures.

Comparing Deliberate Strategy and Emergent Strategy

While deliberate strategy and emergent strategy have distinct attributes, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many successful organizations adopt a hybrid approach that combines elements of both strategies. By leveraging the strengths of deliberate strategy and emergent strategy, organizations can achieve a balance between stability and flexibility, control and adaptability.

Deliberate strategy provides a solid foundation for organizations to navigate through a complex and competitive business landscape. It ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, goals are set, and performance is measured. Deliberate strategy allows organizations to proactively shape their future and make informed decisions based on a thorough analysis of the market and internal capabilities.

On the other hand, emergent strategy enables organizations to respond quickly to changes in the market and exploit emerging opportunities. It encourages experimentation, learning, and innovation, fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience. Emergent strategy taps into the collective intelligence of the organization, empowering employees and fostering a sense of ownership.

By combining deliberate strategy and emergent strategy, organizations can create a dynamic and agile approach to strategy formulation. They can establish a clear direction and goals while remaining open to new ideas and opportunities. This hybrid approach allows organizations to adapt to changing circumstances, seize unexpected opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition.

Conclusion

Deliberate strategy and emergent strategy represent two distinct approaches to strategy formulation. While deliberate strategy provides a structured and planned approach, emergent strategy emphasizes flexibility and adaptability. Both strategies have their strengths and weaknesses, and organizations can benefit from adopting a hybrid approach that leverages the best of both worlds. By combining deliberate strategy and emergent strategy, organizations can navigate through a complex and uncertain business environment, seize opportunities, and achieve long-term success.