Strategic offensives make sense when a company is
Multiple Choice
A applying resources where rivals are least able to defend themselves.
B focusing relentlessly on destroying a competitive advantage.
C trying to whittle away at a rival’s competitive advantage.
E displaying a “wait-and-see” approach to its rivals’ moves.
F leveraging its weaknesses to strengthen operating vulnerabilities.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
A. Applying resources where rivals are least able to defend themselves.
Explanation:
Strategic offensives in a competitive business context involve proactive and aggressive actions aimed at gaining a competitive advantage over rivals. The primary goal of these offensives is to exploit weaknesses or gaps in the competition’s strategies, operations, or market presence. Option A captures the essence of this approach.
- Targeting Weaknesses:
Companies execute strategic offensives by directing their resources to areas where competitors are most vulnerable. This could include attacking underserved customer segments, entering markets where rivals lack presence, or exploiting technological, cost, or operational weaknesses. - Maximizing Impact:
By concentrating on areas of minimal resistance, the offensive yields higher returns on investment. These actions can disrupt a competitor’s market share and force them to redirect resources defensively, diluting their competitive strength in other areas. - Sustainability:
A well-planned offensive avoids head-to-head confrontations in the competitor’s areas of strength, where resistance might be strongest. Instead, it undermines the rival’s position indirectly, creating sustainable competitive advantages for the attacking company.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- B (focusing relentlessly on destroying a competitive advantage): While this may be a long-term goal, it is often impractical or costly to “relentlessly” focus on destroying a competitor’s advantage, especially if the rival is strong in that domain.
- C (trying to whittle away at a rival’s competitive advantage): This is reactive rather than proactive, and it may not always deliver significant gains.
- E (displaying a “wait-and-see” approach): This is a defensive rather than offensive strategy.
- F (leveraging weaknesses to strengthen vulnerabilities): This statement is contradictory and does not align with effective strategic principles.
Strategic offensives are most effective when resources are directed with precision, as described in option A.