Buying in or selling out? How to effectively employ political strategies

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

The day before the fall of Baghdad in the second Gulf War, one of the strangest, most surreal images involved the then External Affairs Minister of Iraq proclaiming that, in the distance, the explosions and smoke that could be clearly be seen from the city were not the attacks of Western allied troops, but the successful attacks of Iran’s own army on allied positions. Despite the howls of derision from the Western press who knew full well that what he was saying was flatly wrong, he maintained his line until the last moment before “shock and awe” had its full effect.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2015), "Buying in or selling out? How to effectively employ political strategies", Strategic Direction, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 7-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/SD-01-2015-0014