STRATEGIC ACTION GENERATION - A COMPARISON OF EMPHASIS PLACED ON GENERIC COMPETITIVE METHODS BY UNITED-STATES AND JAPANESE MANAGERS

The paper identifies similarities and differences in the emphases and patterns that U.S. and Japanese managers attribute to a set of 22 gene ric competitive methods. It highlights the different ways that Japanes e and American managers combine these methods to form general business strategies. Using factor analyses and smallest space analyses, the st udy shows differences in business strategy patterns between managers i n Japan and the U.S. Such differences reflect the organizing principle s underlying the strategy approaches in U.S. and Japanese firms. The o rganizing principle underlying U.S. responses is the desire to find wa y to differentiate a firm from its competitors. In contrast, the organ izing principle underlying Japanese responses is a desire to establish a comprehensive, stable and defensible position. The paper discusses the implications of these results for strategic management and suggest s directions for future U.S. and Japanese comparative strategy researc h.