Strategy and Positioning in Professional Service Firms

Background Note | HBS Case Collection | January 2004 (Revised May 2004)

Strategy and Positioning in Professional Service Firms

Abstract

This case provides a definition of strategy, distinguishes between corporate and practice strategy, and discusses how and why developing and implementing strategy for professional service firms is different from developing and implementing strategy for commercial firms. The case discusses how practice strategy involves positioning the practice on a spectrum of services and aligning the organization and its professionals to the position. Practices are subjected continuously to forces that move their positioning. To be successful, practices must dynamically reposition or realign themselves. The csae concludes with a discussion of the corporate strategy challenges facing multipractice professional service firms.

Keywords: Corporate Strategy; Service Industry;

Format: Print

12 pages

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Citation:

Nanda, Ashish. "Strategy and Positioning in Professional Service Firms." Harvard Business School Background Note 904-060, January 2004. (Revised May 2004.)

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Strategy and Positioning in Professional Service Firms

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