Igor Ansoff's 'Corporate Strategy' is a seminal work in the field of strategic management. Published in 1965, the book introduced a structured and analytical approach to strategic decision-making, emphasizing the importance of aligning a company's resources and capabilities with its external environment. Ansoff presented frameworks for identifying growth opportunities, assessing diversification strategies, and managing technological change. The book also introduced key concepts such as the product-market matrix and gap analysis, which remain influential tools for strategic planning. 'Corporate Strategy' marked a shift from intuitive management practices to a more systematic and data-driven approach to corporate strategy.
Edith Penrose's 'The Theory of the Growth of the Firm' provides an in-depth analysis of how firms grow and evolve over time. Published in 1959, the book challenges traditional economic theories by emphasizing the role of internal resources and knowledge in driving firm expansion. Penrose argues that firms grow by leveraging their unique capabilities and entrepreneurial opportunities. The book introduces the concept of 'managerial services' as a critical resource that enables firms to coordinate and exploit new investment opportunities. 'The Theory of the Growth of the Firm' has had a lasting impact on strategic management and organizational economics, influencing subsequent research on resource-based view and dynamic capabilities.
In this episode of the 'Hours of Bower' series, sponsored by Kyndryl, we delve into Chapter 3 of 'From Resource Allocation to Strategy' with Professor Robert Burgelman.
The discussion centers around a revolutionary view of corporate strategy using Intel Corporation’s transformation over several decades. Professor Burgelman reframes strategy as an emergent and evolving organizational capability, influenced by Intel’s shift from focusing on DRAMs to microprocessors. Key topics include the intricate relationship between top-down planning and emergent strategies, the role of internal and external selection environments, and the concept of strategic dissonance explained through examples from Intel’s history. Join host Aidan and Professor Burgelman as they explore how strategic leadership and innovation can coalesce to drive corporate success in a competitive business landscape.
00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message
00:30 Overview of Today's Episode
01:50 Guest Introduction: Professor Robert Burgelman
02:21 Early Career and Influences
04:07 Collaboration with Joe Bower
07:11 Intel's Strategic Shift
09:27 Andy Grove and Strategic Dissonance
19:35 Framework for Strategic Leadership
33:32 The Importance of Aligning Actions with Strategy
34:25 Intel's Strategic Shifts and Missed Opportunities
35:35 The Dangers of Dominance in an Industry
37:47 Disruptive Innovation and Strategic Inertia
51:04 Balancing Induced and Autonomous Strategy Processes
52:51 Organizational Ecology and Internal Selection
59:22 HP's Strategic Evolution and Corporate Splits
01:04:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Innovation Show 
