Section 18.5. One Best Way

18.5. One Best Way

Figure 18-4 illustrates SWOT, the best-known model for strategy formulation. SWOT stands for the analysis of internal Strengths and Weaknesses of the organization informed by the Opportunities and Threats posed by the external environment.

Figure 18-4. The SWOT model of strategy formulation

SWOT has been a favorite model of business schools, textbooks, management consulting firms, and senior executives. SWOT analysis can be performed in a classroom or an executive's office with a small group of people in a short amount of time. These "strategists" or "thinkers" can objectively assess internal capabilities and the external environment, and then deliberately and consciously craft a strategic plan to be implemented by the "doers" of the organization. This model is highly adaptive and can be applied to virtually any type of organization at any time. In many contexts, SWOT has been presented as the "one best way" to formulate a business strategy.

You may have guessed that we don't agree. And if you're wondering what all of this has to do with information architecture, stick with us. We're getting there.