Synopsis
Organizational success demands a capacity for effective strategic action yet much of the strategy literature continues to emphasize formulation rather than implementation. In contrast, this major textbook looks at the processes of making strategy happen through the management of strategic action.
Cynthia Hardy outlines a framework for understanding strategic action while key readings and cases examine the issues involved in moving from strategic intent to realization, through organizational alignment and change.
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About the Author
Cynthia Hardy is a Professor in the Faculty of Management, McGill University. Her publications include Strategies for Retrenchment and Turnaround: The Politics of Survival (De Gruyter, 1990) and Managing Organizational Closure (Gower, 1985).
Review
`A useful study text for a wide range of programmes′ - Long Range Planning
`The fact that approximately one-third of the book is dedicated to the consideration of power in strategic action means that this important concept is rendered more accessible to managers and other readers within the concept of strategy. Chapters on "Power and Politics in Organizations" and "Power and the Organizational Life Cycle", in particular, provide useful ways of breaking down consideration of a complex phenomenon into more management pieces, and therefore do contribute to the efforts of readers in thinking about how to "take strategic action".... Although this book may have been written primarily for use by students, it has significant appeal for practising managers, particularly those who through experience or reflection have come to realize that strategic planning, as has been aggressively promoted for years, has not delivered the realization of the dream.... There are several chapters which, while addressing a topic of relevance, give rise to thoughtful consideration of the topic, and encourage the reader to think more critically about this particular aspect. The chapter on "Employee Empowerment" is an example.... this is a useful addition to one′s bookshelf. Its biggest contribution is in "laying out the field", often providing directions for further thought and consideration, and providing substantive opportunity to consider further the importance of power and politics in situations facing managers today′ - Management Learning
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