When change and continuity collide: capitalizing on strategic gridlock in financial services

Article Abstract:

There is a crisis in financial intermediation in the United States. Traditional intermediaries (banks, thrifts, life insurance companies, and property-casualty insurers) are suffering soft pricing, poor returns, and increasing risk. This article explores the reasons for this and presents six generic strategies which financial intermediaries might pursue in dealing with this situation. Each of these strategies places a greater or lesser amount of pressure on certain change-resistant "rigidities" in these companies. Overcoming relevant rigidities is a key success factor in implementing a strategy in one's own firm. Rigidities are also barriers to duplication of a strategy by competitors. Companies able to exploit the response lags of competitors created by these barriers can enjoy superior returns despite the adverse economics that now characterize the U.S. financial services industry. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Planning, Competition (Economics), Financial services industry, Financial services

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Technological mediation and commercial development in the early Internet access market

Article Abstract:

This article examines the initial experiences of Internet Service Providers within the context of changing technological services and market needs. The article explains how businesses can take advantage of gaps in the technological market and user needs to facilitate the diffusion of technology involving Internet access.

Telegraph & other communications, Management, High technology industry, Internet service providers

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Detours in the Path toward Strategic Information Systems Alignment

Article Abstract:

Alignment between business strategy and information systems strategy usually goes awry due to excessive transformation, paradoxical decisions and uncertain turnarounds. This paper offers suggestions to avoid this.

United States, Planning, Statistical Data Included, Business planning, Information systems

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