Art of War and Business Strategy

The quotation from the book “Art of War” by Sun Tzu discusses how the direct methods pertaining to fighting can help an individual in joining battle but the indirect methods are used by the fighters so that they can secure victory. The quotation by Sun Tzu is relevant in relation to the business strategy as it points out how the direct along with the indirect methods can help a business in getting a competitive advantage. A lesson learnt from Sun Tzu’s Art of War is that the person who is equipped with the knowledge regarding when to fight and when one is not supposed to fight can be victorious. Another important lesson to be learnt from Sun Tzu Art of War is that one should know themselves along with the enemy in order to succeed.

Running head: ART OF WAR AND BUSINESS STRATEGY
Art of War and Business Strategy
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1ART OF WAR AND BUSINESS STRATEGY
The quotation from the book “Art of War” by Sun Tzu discusses how the direct
methods pertaining to fighting can help an individual in joining battle but the indirect
methods are used by the fighters so that they can secure victory. There are two modes of
attack in relation to a battle- direct and indirect. These are the two methods that can be
combined in relation to a battle for winning. The spirit pertaining to enterprise can prove to
be an important aspect in relation to winning of a battle. The fate of a person will be
considered to be unhappy who tries succeeding in relation to the attacks without having spirit
pertaining to enterprise. The resultant can lead to loss of time along with general stagnation
(Li & Young, 2017). The quotation points forward to the idea that rapidity can prove to be
the essence pertaining to war and the unreadiness of the enemy can be taken advantage of in
order to win a battle. The unexpected routes along with attacking of the unguarded spots can
pave the way for victory in relation to a battle. The direct and the indirect methods pertaining
to fighting can be taken recourse to in turns that can help a side in rising above their
competitor. The quotation brings to light the fact that an individual who is bound to defeat
fights in the first place and later on looks for the victory.

2ART OF WAR AND BUSINESS STRATEGY
The quotation by Sun Tzu is relevant in relation to the business strategy as it points
out how the direct along with the indirect methods can help a business in getting a
competitive advantage. The complex business environment that persists in the modern age
necessitates that one takes recourse to different kinds of ploys so that they can succeed in the
long run. One should always be prepared to take advantage of the weakness of the
competitors so that victory can be secured in relation to a battle. The environment in the
present age is volatile and constantly evolving. A business has to constantly learn new
strategies in the present age so that they can rise above their competitors. The new strategies
learnt by the business can help them in surviving in the hostile environment (McNeilly,
2015). It can help an organisation in growing within the present market and pave the path for
their development. The spirit of enterprise is an important attribute of the present age and it
can help a business in succeeding within the environment. He weak points of the business
rivals can be taken advantage of by an organization that can help it in the aspect of winning.
A business should be able to take unexpected steps that can help it in its progression and
development within the world. An organisation should employ effective strategies that can
ensure its victory within the competitive environment. Direct methods are the innovative
strategies of a business and the indirect method refers to taking advantage of the weakness of
the competitors that can clear the path for its success.

3ART OF WAR AND BUSINESS STRATEGY
A lesson learnt from Sun Tzu’s Art of War is that the person who is equipped with the
knowledge regarding when to fight and when one is not supposed to fight can be victorious.
The armies should engage themselves in battle in the event of them having a clear advantage
in terms of time along with resource. An individual has to choose between the project
proposal and prioritize the requests pertaining to renegotiation. The skills should be
diversified in a smart manner that can help an individual in succeeding (Bing.com. , 2018).
The teachings of Sun Tzu can be applied to the personal battles of an individual. The path in
relation to least resistance can prove to be fruitful for an individual. One should be aware of
the limitations so that one can succeed in the long run. Challenging the right counterpart can
prove to be an important step that can put an individual in the right track. It appreciates the
aspect of self-improvement and how significant it can prove to be for the success of an
individual. It can be learnt from the book that one should not nurture too many skills that can
reduce the specialization in relation to an individual. Another lesson learnt from the Art of
War is about the significance of timing in one’s life (Tzu, 2017). One should be prudent
regarding the timing of engaging the enemy. Execution should be done at the right moment
that can prove to be an important step for the success of an enterprise. In the event of making
a decision, the execution should be carried out on immediate basis.

4ART OF WAR AND BUSINESS STRATEGY
In the prevalent industry, the speed pertaining to execution can prove to be an important step
that can help an organization in staying afloat within the market. It is important that an
enterprise does not rush into something unless the conditions are favourable. The perfect
timing will enable an individual or a business in striking the enemy in a manner that will
vanquish it completely (Mok, 2015). Nothing will reach a fruitful conclusion if the things are
not carried out in the right timing.
Another important lesson to be learnt from Sun Tzu Art of War is that one should
know themselves along with the enemy in order to succeed. One will be in perpetual peril if
one does not know himself or their enemies in the right manner. A thoughtful decision will
always be better than a decision that is sudden and have been taken on impulse. One should
have insight regarding the manoeuvers of the enemy that can prove to be an important factor
for success. Knowing the strengths along with weakness of the enemy can pave the path for
success of an individual (Clydesdale, 2017). The environment along with the troop morale
has also to be considered for ensuring the victory in a battle. In the arena of business
negotiation, knowing about the counterpart can prove to be important for improving the
aspect of communication.

5ART OF WAR AND BUSINESS STRATEGY
References:
Bing.com. (2018). the art of war full book - Bing video. Retrieved from
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?
q=the+art+of+war+full+book&view=detail&mid=3F882A4BA977079010D63F882A
4BA977079010D6&FORM=VIRE
Clydesdale, G. (2017). Western perceptions of Chinese business: Sun Tzu and the misuse of
history. Management and Organization Review, 13(4), 895-903.
Li, P. P., & Young, M. (2017). How to Approach the Ancient Chinese Wisdom? A
Commentary Concerning Sun Tzu's The Art of War. Management and Organization
Review, 13(4), 913-920.
McNeilly, M. (2015). Sun Tzu and the Art of Modern Warfare. Oxford University Press
(UK).
Mok, K. M. M. (2015). Sun Tzu, The art of war and its implications in innovation and target
marketing. Актуальні проблеми економіки, (11), 8-13.
Tzu, S. (2017). THE ART OF WAR (Giles Translation). Musaicum Books.