Why Are There Over 90 Definitions of the Strategy Concept?

Abstract

Outline: Based on the Three-multiple problem of literature on strategy definition, this chapter analyses literature on strategy definition based on a special research approach developed by the author. The reasons for the aforesaid Three-multiple problem are examined with a sample over 30 definitions. It is found that there are mainly four reasons contributing to the Three-multiple problem. (1) different wordings are used to express the same meaning; (2) a variety of wordings are used to illustrate the content of different sub-classes that are under the same category; (3) different understandings of the strategy concept cause the use of various wordings; (4) extensions of concept are included in literature on strategy definition.