Print this pageEffective Knowledge Use Requires a Framework
Need for a Coherent Body of Knowledge
Overall, progress has been made on defining the strategic management body of knowledge, but no one construct has risen to fully encompass and make sense of the subject, organizing its multiple facets into one coherent body of knowledge. The diversity of activities, ideas, and offerings regarding strategy is bewildering. The right framework can be very useful in helping to make sense of it all.
Effective Decisions Require Knowledge and Understanding
It is very difficult for an organization leader to sort out what best fits the current context and what aspect of strategic management deserves immediate attention to improve the outcome of the whole. A comprehensive strategic management framework provides the opportunity to build up knowledge of strategic management in an orderly manner. Using a comprehensive framework, answers emerge as to when and how to pursue innovation, idea management, prioritization, alignment, and other aspects of strategic management.
A Framework Allows for Growth…
Parts of a strategic management body of knowledge construct are more mature than others. For example, the Balanced Scorecard Collaborative with Kaplan and Norton provides a proven framework for strategic planning and execution. On the other hand, strategy formation is not as mature. Neither is the application of strategic management techniques to other than mature and relatively stable organizations.
As new ideas and techniques prove viable, their incorporation into the body of knowledge keeps it current and vital. For example, Russell Ackoff and Jamshid Gharajedaghi have provide a useful construct for strategy formation based on understanding the actual complexity of the organization, the business and the interactions of the parts. Gary Hamel provides a framework and approach for innovation of the business design. These ideas and techniques need to be included in the repertoire of those seeking full development of their strategic management competency.
…and Encompasses the Whole of Strategy
The BAi framework has been developed to encompass the whole of strategic management and grow with the gains in knowledge in this arena.
