The Strategic Management of Execution

David J. Collis

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Working Paper | HBS Working Paper Series | 2019

The Strategic Management of Execution

by David J. Collis

Abstract

“Tell me David, is it better to have a great strategy poorly executed or a so-so strategy really well executed?” The age-old question suggests there is a fundamental tradeoff between strategy and execution. The tone in which it is asked typically flags that the questioner already knows the answer—the superiority of execution over strategy. But is this really true? Does, to borrow a phrase, execution eat strategy for lunch?

Keywords: strategy execution; Strategy; Management;

Language: English

Format: Print

10 pages

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