Configurations revisited

Article Abstract:

The study of configuration in the field of strategy has not yet been fully explored. A review of literature on configurations shows that two major approaches to configuration have emerged. One approach involves conceptually derived typologies while the other requires empirically based taxonomies. Despite their merits, the two have been discovered to be flawed. Typologies are sometimes thin and arbitrary, while several taxonomies lack theoretical significance, employ arbitrary and narrow selection of variables, and produce unreliable results. A third approach is therefore proposed in response to the weaknesses of the two. This focus of this third approach is on configuration as a quality or property that differs among organizations. According to this interpretation, configuration is defined as the degree to which the elements of an organization are synchronized and linked by a common theme.

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Convergence across alternative methods for forming strategic groups

Article Abstract:

A multiple method study of a single competitive environment was conducted to test certain hypotheses concerning the conditions under which strategic groups developed using archival data will exist and the conditions under which alternative measures of competitive groups will converge. Using a derivation of the traditional multitrait/multimethod matrix, the analysis focused on a sample of 72 non-federal, acute care, general hospitals in a major metropolitan area to test the convergent validity of the concept of strategy groups in a mature, geographically delimited, competitive environment. Significant convergence was found between multiple measures of the group structure in this environment, a finding which directly confirms the relationship between the theory and measurement of strategic groups.

Business Methods, Planning, Case studies, Management research, Business enterprises, Business planning

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