Methodological limitations of Porter's three generic strategies' framework

Abstract

Porter's generic strategies' framework is characterized by serious limitations from the perspective of both research methodology and managerial relevance. It is not suitable for an empirical description of multinational or diversified firms' strategies. Its usefulness for the description of other firms' strategies is unclear. Furthermore, it is now generally accepted that Porter's “stuck in the middle” proposition does not hold. Both the theoretical and empirical arguments related to this proposition are discussed.

Citation

Jegers, M. (1994), "Methodological limitations of Porter's three generic strategies' framework", Research in Global Strategic Management (Research in Global Strategic Management, Vol. 4), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 43-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1064-4857(93)04004-U