Part 1 Successful Emergent Strategy: Are There Times When Th

Part 1 Successful Emergent Strategythere Are Times When The Best Stra

Part 1: Successful Emergent Strategy There are times when the best strategies are simply unplanned and happen. When these “emergent” strategies are born (often out of conflict), it is important to be flexible in order to be successful. It is also important to determine the factors leading to success. This discussion explores how these factors influence overall strategy. Consider if you have observed a case of successful emergent strategy in any field. Briefly describe the events. Why was the strategy successful?

Part 2: SMART Criteria Utilizing various criteria in order to create and determine success in any strategy is important. This section discusses how to utilize SMART criteria to create and clarify strategy. Select any one personal activity or hobby. Write your objectives using SMART criteria. Then answer the following questions: Does the exercise help clarify your ideas about what you are doing? Does it help you work effectively? How?

Paper For Above instruction

Successful emergent strategy, which arises spontaneously often from conflict, exemplifies the importance of flexibility and situational awareness in strategic management. Unlike deliberate strategies that follow a pre-designed plan, emergent strategies develop organically over time, shaped by unforeseen circumstances and adaptive responses. A notable example can be observed in the technology startup industry, where companies often pivot in response to market feedback, competitor actions, or technological changes. Such pivots, or emergent strategies, often lead to greater success than rigid, initially planned strategies due to their responsiveness and flexibility.

One illustrative case involves Twitter’s evolution. Originally conceived as a podcasting platform called Odeo, the company faced competition and market disinterest in its initial product. During a crisis, when Apple announced its own podcast service, the company’s leadership encouraged experimentation among employees. This led Jack Dorsey and Biz Stone to pivot the platform into a microblogging service—Twitter—an emergent response to the social media landscape's needs. The success of Twitter stemmed from its flexibility to adapt to unforeseen market conditions and user preferences. This emergent strategy was born out of conflict — the decline of Odeo and competitive pressure — but ultimately created a revolutionary communication platform that dominates social media today.

The success of emergent strategies typically hinges on organizational flexibility, real-time information processing, and a culture that encourages experimentation. Companies that foster an environment where employees are empowered to experiment and adapt can better navigate unpredictable environments. Moreover, recognizing the factors that contribute to success—such as leadership openness, organizational agility, and customer feedback—facilitates the nurturing of emergent strategies.

In contrast, deliberate strategies emphasize long-term planning, often at the expense of adaptability. While deliberate strategies are essential for stability and vision, rigid adherence to them without room for emergent responses can lead to strategic failure in dynamic industries. Therefore, integrating emergent elements within strategic planning enhances organizational resilience and innovation, especially in rapidly changing sectors like technology and healthcare.

Moving to the second part of the task, applying the SMART criteria provides clarity and focus to personal goals. For example, selecting a hobby such as running, I set a SMART objective: “I will run three times a week for at least 30 minutes each session for the next three months to improve my cardiovascular health.” This goal is Specific (running), Measurable (three times a week, 30 minutes), Achievable (manageable schedule), Relevant (improves health), and Time-bound (three months).

This SMART goal clarifies my intentions by explicitly defining what I want to accomplish and how I will measure progress. It helps me work effectively by providing structure, promoting accountability, and enabling tracking of my improvement. When I see tangible progress toward my goal, I remain motivated and focused, which enhances my efficiency and satisfaction in achieving milestones.

In conclusion, understanding the dynamics of emergent strategies highlights the importance of flexibility, real-time adaptation, and organizational culture. Simultaneously, applying SMART criteria ensures goal clarity, strategic focus, and effective execution in personal and professional contexts. Together, these strategies foster resilience, innovation, and success in an unpredictable world.

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