A spatial model for the analysis and teaching of schools of strategic thought

Abstract

This article proposes the construction of an analytical model of the schools of strategic thought taking into account the diversity of strategic currents. It therefore contributes to a better typification and identification of the different existing approaches, which is very useful both for teaching and examining strategic issues. Based on literature, it establishes the most important analytical and explanatory dimensions for describing, studying and teaching the different strategic management approaches. The result is a dimensional model that can compare the contemporary schools of thought. The analytical framework is used to examine and discuss the position of the 10 different schools of thought identified by Mintzberg, Ahlstrand and Lampel in their book Strategy safary. In a visual and didactic manner, this model shows the differences between the schools of strategic thought, aiding in the typification of the different authors. Finally the model helps to elucidate the widespread polemic between two strategic thought exponents: Mintzberg and Ansoff.