Strategic Analysis: A Critical Review of the Variety Strategy Lens

This report provides a comprehensive critical analysis of the variety strategy lens, a strategic approach that emphasizes innovation and adaptability in dynamic business environments. The report begins by defining and describing the strategy, highlighting its core elements such as the importance of variety, creating context for innovation, and the use of adaptive tension and simple rules. A critical discussion of the ideas strategic lens follows, outlining its benefits, such as managing unpredictable environments, increasing innovation, enhancing diversity, and increasing responsiveness, while also addressing its drawbacks, like reduced control over employee performance and the potential for hindering long-term strategic planning. The report compares the ideas strategic lens to deliberate strategy, emphasizing the differences in data analysis and the importance of rigid procedures. Finally, the report explores the application of the variety strategy lens within an entrepreneurial context, using Sainsbury’s as an example, and considers how the strategy can be used to gain a competitive advantage.