The text states that strategic decisions are (1) rare, (2) consequential, and (3) directive. These deal with the long-term future of the entire organization. To aid in the decision making, the authors suggest an eight step decision-making process. Found on page 25 in the text, these include: (1) evaluating current performance results; (2) reviewing corporate governance; (3) scanning and assessing the external environment; (4) scanning and assessing the internal corporate environment; (5) analyzing the strategic factors; (6) generating and selecting the best alternative strategy; (7) implementing selected strategies; and (8) evaluating implemented strategies. These guidelines for making and evaluating decisions at a strategic level can be important for leaders.

Question

Open today’s issue of The Wall Street Journal and look for an article about new moves being made by a corporation, specifically the decisions that are strategic. At what level is each of the decisions that you identified?

Functional/Business/Corporate? Why do you believe this to be the case? What is your assessment of these decisions? Will they be effective? Why? How have you decided this?