It is interesting to note the similarities between Porter's theories and the theories of other influential business thinkers. Some examples:
- What Porter defines as "Value Proposition," W. Edwards Deming defined as "Quality" and Theodor Levitt defined as "The Total Product." Each man defining the same basic business problem: You have to offer something that someone wants to buy at a price they can afford. Per Deming, "The basic problem anywhere is quality. What is quality? A product or service possesses quality if it helps somebody and enjoys a good sustainable market."
- Both Porter and Deming note that "Operational Effectiveness" or "Flawless Operation" will not result in competitiveness or sustained performance.
- What Porter calls "continuity of direction," Deming calls "constancy of purpose," and Jim Collins calls "pushing the flywheel."
References:
1 Porter, Michael E., "Strategy and the Internet," Harvard Business Review, March 2001, p.70.
2 Porter, Michael E., "Strategy and the Internet," Harvard Business Review, March 2001, p.71, 72.
3 Porter, Michael E., "Strategy and the Internet," Harvard Business Review, March 2001, p.71.
4 Porter, Michael E., "What is Strategy?," Harvard Business Review, November-December 1996.
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