There is a strong similarity to descriptive and prescriptive strategies. As the definition reads; descriptive: “what is usually done” or prescriptive: “what can be done most realistically” could end up being the same outcome on many occasions. The definitions even make sense when put together. What is usually done is most likely what can be done most realistically. However, when studied in more depth, these strategies have their differences
Differences and similarities between prescriptive and descriptive strategies Similarities There is a strong similarity to descriptive and prescriptive strategies. As the definition reads; descriptive: “what is usually done” or prescriptive: “what can be done most realistically” could end up being the same outcome on many occasions. The definitions even make sense when put together. What is usually done is most likely what can be done most realistically. However, when studied in more depth, these strategies have their differences. Differences The descriptive strategy is done based on past evidence. It is something that has been most likely done in the past. Unlike the descriptive strategy, the prescriptive strategy takes other factors into consideration while analyzing multiple criteria and conflicting objections. After this, then chooses what strategy would or could be done realistically based on the objectives previously listed. According to the prescriptive strategy, the second best decision might be more appropriate. The prescriptive approach includes an analysis of possible decisions around a chosen solution known as sensitivity analysis. For a better explanation, a descriptive approach may be making a decision on a topic only based on past experience. If it was positive, then we would make the same decision. If it was negative, then we would make a different decision. Prescriptive strategy analyzes all options before deciding based on all factors, what the best option may be. Which approach are you comfortable with? I believe most people are comfortable with the descriptive strategy. This is because it is easier for them at any level to make a decision based on what is usually done. However, this doesn’t seem to be a strategic approach. If something is failing, most likely it will need a prescriptive approach to analyze what went wrong and try to change it. It would not work to keep making the same decision if the company was failing or losing money. I have a history of coaching softball. When I teach hitting, one of the simple objectives I use is if you strike out 3 times, you need to analyze what you are doing, based on objectives such as pitching speed, weather elements, batting stance, ect. These are all factors that if you keep doing the same thing, will result in the same outcome. If someone keeps striking out, they would need a prescriptive strategy to make a change. Based on T. Shimuzu’s “Art of War,” the principles of general nature come into play. • Moral Law: degree to which the people trust their government • The Sky: climate conditions • The Earth: conditions of the land • The Chief: virtues of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage, and righteousness • The Method and discipline: the correct deployment of the army These principles of nature in regards to the book support the prescriptive strategy. What has been done before may not be able to be done because of these constantly changing principles. In my opinion, I would say that war in general is a prescriptive strategy. Knowing your enemy will lead to advancement in strategic thinking. The strategy will always be different as the enemy changes. I read an interesting article titled; “What characterizes the culture of a market – oriented organization applying a customer-intimacy philosophy?” by A. Osarenkhoe. This article talked about our business environment undergoing the many changes during these economic times including consumer buyers changing, lifestyle changes, and purchasing power increases. These changes have forced businesses to adopt new approaches in order to address company’s long term need for survival. The article showed a graph that highlighted the plan for new customer- intimacy business philosophy. The framework is shown as a descriptive strategy, highlighting the areas or categories such as context, process and outcome. The author investigated a Swedish company with the most satisfied customers to find characteristics of the culture of a market oriented organization applying a customer intimacy philosophy. In closing, after my research on both prescriptive and descriptive strategies, I believe that in our constantly changing world that we live in, it is probably more important to take a prescriptive approach. Most situations are not always the same so the descriptive strategy will not work. References Chu, C.-n. (2007). The Art of War for Women. New York, USA: The Doubleday Broadway Publishing Group. Osarenkhoe, A. (2008). What Characterizes the culture of a market-oriented orginaization applying a customer-intimacy philosophy? Journal of Database Marketing and Customer Service Management , 15 (3), 169-190. T. Shimizu, M. M. (2006). Concepts and History of Strategy in Oganizations. In Strategic Alignment Process and Decision Support Systems: Theory and Case Studies. IGI Publishing. . Differences and similarities between prescriptive and descriptive strategies Similarities There is a strong similarity to descriptive and prescriptive. both prescriptive and descriptive strategies, I believe that in our constantly changing world that we live in, it is probably more important to take a prescriptive