Implementing strategies: barriers and facilitators in the specialized Brazilian literature

Abstract

This article aggregates empirical evidence of the main barriers to and facilitators of the implementation of different strategies at organizations in Brazil. It is a theoretical study that uses as its starting point those studies that regard strategy as a social practice, with conclusions based on research found in the main Brazilian publications from 2000 to 2007. The authors’ intent is to answer three questions on strategy studies in Brazil simultaneously: Has the publication of theoretical studies dropped considerably in the specialized meetings in our country, with the risk of falling into empiricism devoid of theoretical thinking? Does the area have a colonized position vis-à-vis Anglo-Saxon studies? In addition, is there a shortage of studies on strategy implementation processes, given that the research tends to focus on the formulation of strategies? Though thoughts and references from international literature are not disregarded in this study, especially concerning the theoretical input of strategy as practice, the authors aim to gather domestic knowledge capable of illustrating the reality of Brazilian organizations on the issue in question. This article concludes that certain factors that facilitate the effective implementation of strategies may actually constitute barriers, depending on how the strategy is conducted by the individuals and the groups that interact constantly within organizations.Key words: Strategy implementation. Strategy as practice. Strategy in Brazil.