STRATEGIC ORIENTATION, STRATEGIC PLANNING SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS AND PERFORMANCE*

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article examines the differences in strategic planning system characteristics such as planning implementation, market research competence, key personnel involvement, degree of assistance provided by the planning staff and innovativeness of strategies between the Prospector and Defender strategic archetypes. the study also tests whether deviations from a defined ideal profile of strategic planning system characteristics has implications for performance within each strategic archetype. the findings reveal significant differences in strategic planning system characteristics between Prospectors and Defenders, as well as suggest negative performance implications for deviating from a defined ideal profile of strategic planning system characteristics among Prospector organizations.