Publications
Publications
- October 1994
- HBS Case Collection
Note on the Confrontation Strategy
Abstract
Because of the emergence of the lean enterprise (a Japanese innovation), the nature of competition has changed. Competitive advantages are virtually impossible to sustain; instead of avoiding competition through creating sustainable competitive advantage, companies must now confront competition if they are to remain profitable. The author describes the confrontation strategy and three product-related characteristics (cost-price, quality, and functionality) that are critical to this strategy. Firms that adopt a confrontation strategy must develop integrated quality, functionality, and cost management systems.
Keywords
Citation
Cooper, Robin. "Note on the Confrontation Strategy." Harvard Business School Background Note 195-105, October 1994.