REFLECTIONS ON BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY: A COMPARISON WITH ANSOFF’S, PORTER’S, AND HAX AND WILDE’S STRATEGIES

Abstract

Within the context of the globalized environment, competitiveness has become a critical issue for business. The use of research to inform strategic decisions is thus important for firms on the path to competitiveness, regardless of their market of operation. This paper provides an overview of four strategies—Kim and Mauborgne’s Blue Ocean Strategy, Ansoff’s Matrix, Porter’s Generic Strategies, and Hax and Wilde’s Delta model—in order to find the similarities and approximations among them. Applying the scientific reading method, we conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on strategy to draw up a comparative matrix among the four strategies analyzed so as to discuss the typologies for strategy formation modes. This matrix is intended to be used in future field studies. The comparison led to the observation that several possible approaches exist, each suited for distinctive businesses and business environments. This article aims to contribute to a better knowledge of administrative techniques that can help firms - and their executives - improve strategic decision making by choosing the strategy that best fits the competitive environment in which their business operates. Key-words: Strategic decisions. Strategic approaches. Comparative matrix.