Emergent Strategies vs. Intended Strategies

Attribute	Emergent Strategies	Intended Strategies
Definition	Strategies that emerge spontaneously or organically through the actions and decisions of individuals within an organization.	Strategies that are deliberately planned and formulated by top-level management to achieve specific goals and objectives.
Origin	Arise from the bottom-up, often as a result of trial and error, learning, and adaptation.	Developed from the top-down, based on careful analysis, forecasting, and decision-making.
Flexibility	Highly flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and market conditions.	May lack flexibility as they are pre-determined and may not easily adjust to unexpected changes.
Control	Less control over emergent strategies as they evolve naturally and may be influenced by various factors.	Greater control over intended strategies as they are consciously designed and implemented.
Planning	Less emphasis on formal planning processes, with strategies emerging through experimentation and learning.	Extensive planning processes involved, with strategies developed through systematic analysis and forecasting.
Risk	May involve higher levels of risk due to the uncertainty and unpredictability associated with emergent strategies.	May involve lower levels of risk as intended strategies are carefully planned and based on available information.
Speed	Can be implemented quickly as they evolve in response to immediate needs and opportunities.	May take longer to implement as they require extensive planning and coordination.

Introduction

In the field of strategic management, organizations often employ different approaches to achieve their goals and objectives. Two prominent strategies that are widely discussed and debated are emergent strategies and intended strategies. While both approaches have their merits, they differ in terms of their origins, flexibility, adaptability, and level of control. This article aims to compare and contrast the attributes of emergent strategies and intended strategies, shedding light on their strengths and weaknesses.

Emergent Strategies

Emergent strategies are strategies that develop organically over time, often as a result of unforeseen circumstances or opportunities. They are not explicitly planned or designed but emerge through a process of learning, experimentation, and adaptation. Emergent strategies are typically observed in dynamic and complex environments where uncertainty and ambiguity prevail.

One key attribute of emergent strategies is their flexibility. Since they are not predetermined, emergent strategies can be adjusted and modified in response to changing market conditions, customer preferences, or competitive landscapes. This adaptability allows organizations to seize emerging opportunities or navigate unexpected challenges effectively.

Another characteristic of emergent strategies is their bottom-up nature. They often emerge from the collective actions and decisions of individuals or teams within an organization. This decentralized approach encourages innovation, creativity, and empowerment at various levels, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement among employees.

However, emergent strategies also have their limitations. Due to their organic nature, they may lack a clear direction or long-term vision. Without a well-defined strategy, organizations may struggle to align their efforts and resources towards a common goal. Additionally, emergent strategies may be more susceptible to inconsistency or fragmentation, as they are shaped by multiple actors and factors.

Intended Strategies

Intended strategies, on the other hand, are deliberate and planned strategies that organizations develop with a specific goal in mind. They are typically formulated by top-level management based on a thorough analysis of internal and external factors, market trends, and competitive dynamics. Intended strategies provide a roadmap for organizations to follow and guide their decision-making processes.

One key attribute of intended strategies is their clarity and direction. By setting specific objectives and outlining the steps required to achieve them, intended strategies provide a sense of purpose and focus for the organization. This clarity helps align efforts, allocate resources efficiently, and measure progress towards predetermined goals.

Intended strategies also offer a higher level of control and predictability compared to emergent strategies. Since they are carefully planned, organizations can anticipate potential challenges and develop contingency plans accordingly. This proactive approach enhances risk management and allows organizations to respond more effectively to external disruptions or changes in the business environment.

However, intended strategies may face challenges in dynamic and unpredictable environments. The rigidity of a predetermined strategy may limit an organization's ability to adapt quickly to emerging opportunities or threats. In rapidly changing industries or markets, organizations that solely rely on intended strategies may find themselves falling behind more agile competitors.

Comparing Emergent Strategies and Intended Strategies

While emergent strategies and intended strategies have distinct attributes, they are not mutually exclusive. In fact, many organizations adopt a hybrid approach, combining elements of both strategies to leverage their respective strengths.

One key difference between the two strategies lies in their origins. Emergent strategies arise organically from the bottom-up, driven by the collective actions and decisions of individuals within the organization. In contrast, intended strategies are top-down, formulated by senior management based on a systematic analysis of internal and external factors.

Another difference lies in their adaptability. Emergent strategies are inherently flexible and can be adjusted in response to changing circumstances. They allow organizations to learn from experience, experiment with new ideas, and adapt their approach accordingly. In contrast, intended strategies may be more rigid and less responsive to unexpected changes, as they are designed to follow a predetermined course of action.

Furthermore, emergent strategies often foster a culture of innovation and empowerment within organizations. By encouraging bottom-up decision-making and empowering employees to contribute to strategy development, emergent strategies promote engagement, creativity, and ownership. In contrast, intended strategies may be perceived as top-down directives, potentially limiting employee involvement and innovation.

However, intended strategies provide a clear direction and purpose for organizations. They offer a roadmap that guides decision-making processes and resource allocation. Intended strategies also provide a basis for performance measurement and evaluation, enabling organizations to track progress towards predetermined goals. In contrast, emergent strategies may lack a clear vision or long-term direction, potentially leading to fragmented efforts or inconsistent decision-making.

Ultimately, the choice between emergent strategies and intended strategies depends on the specific context and objectives of an organization. In stable and predictable environments, intended strategies may be more suitable, providing a structured approach to achieve predetermined goals. In contrast, in dynamic and uncertain environments, emergent strategies may offer greater adaptability and responsiveness.

Conclusion

Emergent strategies and intended strategies represent two distinct approaches to strategic management. While emergent strategies arise organically and adaptively, intended strategies are deliberate and planned. Both strategies have their strengths and weaknesses, and organizations often adopt a hybrid approach to leverage the benefits of both. The choice between emergent and intended strategies depends on the specific context, industry dynamics, and organizational goals. By understanding the attributes of each strategy, organizations can make informed decisions and develop a strategic approach that aligns with their unique circumstances.