Strategy Process Procedures

Abstract

The aim of this research is to explore the strategy process procedures and the linkage between strategy process and the performance in companies. The aim was also to study case company Zeta Groups strategy process procedures and determine improvement areas.

The theoretical background of the study is based on the strategic management literature. Firstly, the theoretical frameworks of classical, new, and Finnish strategy processes were analyzed, and the most critical aspects were taken into the theoretical part of this thesis. As a result of these aspects a simple strategy process framework was established. The research was conducted as a qualitative multiple case study. The empirical data was collected through interviews, observation, and the analysis of case company strategy materials.

As a result a simple strategy process was established and theoretical study findings indicated that the strategy process, when it is textbook like, affects the performance of a company. Case study results showed that two of the case companies are engrossed in the strategy work, whereas, two of the companies are partly executing a textbook like strategy, and finally, two companies are not pursuing a textbook like strategy process. Furthermore, improvement proposals were presented for the case companies.