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Defining Strategic Flexibility

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The Flexible Enterprise

Part of the book series: Flexible Systems Management ((FLEXSYS))

Abstract

This chapter presents a review of the literature about the term strategic flexibility. It analyzes various components and definitions of strategic flexibility and concludes by defining the term. Using previous research about strategic flexibility, this article discusses the many components and definitions of strategic flexibility. Rather surprisingly, strategic flexibility has been considered by research in a variety of academic disciplines such as strategic management, economics, organization, theory, and marketing, and therefore, there is a diverse array of views about how to define this term. Strategic flexibility is often discussed “alongside” such terms as strategic choice, strategic maneuverability, and strategic options. This chapter found that previous research had developed “operationalized” definitions based upon the specific needs of their studies. Consequently, there has not been a “proven,” agreed definition of strategic flexibility. It is suggested that this chapter adds to our general understanding of the term by advancing a general definition of strategic flexibility.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Business School, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia

    Norman Roberts & Gary J. Stockport

Authors
  1. Norman Roberts
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  2. Gary J. Stockport
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Norman Roberts .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India

    Sushil

  2. BI&A Progr, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA

    Edward A. Stohr (Professor and Director) (Professor and Director)

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© 2014 Springer India

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Roberts, N., Stockport, G.J. (2014). Defining Strategic Flexibility. In: Sushil, Stohr, E.A. (eds) The Flexible Enterprise. Flexible Systems Management. Springer, New Delhi. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-81-322-1560-8_3

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