Definition Logical Incrementalism. Description.
Logical Incrementalism is a term coined by James
Brian Quinn (1980). According to Quinn, "Constantly integrating the simultaneous
incremental process of strategy formulation and implementation is the central
art of effective strategic management". His adaptive approach of strategy
formulation recognizes that implementing change in a large organization is
complex and time-consuming and as a result a fully articulated strategic plan
may actually not be possible. Instead the theory proposes a nonlinear mixture
of strategic planning and spontaneous change midcourse.
Characteristic of the incremental approach is that decision-makers
do not "simply arrive at goals and announce them in the precise, integrated
packages advocated by the theoretical strategists and executed by their organizational
constituents." What is going on in any particular subsystem is known to its
members, but the master scheme of the rational comprehensive model is not
apparent. This is not to be interpreted as "muddling", but rather as a
defensible response to the complexities of a large organization that mitigate
against publicizing goals. The announcement of goals for the whole organization
too early in the planning process can "...centralize the organization, rigidify
positions too soon, eliminate creative options...cause active resistance to
the goals themselves...(and) provide focal points against which an otherwise
fragmented opposition will organize."
The 5 stages of logical incrementalism
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General concern. A vaguely felt awareness of an issue
or opportunity.
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Broadcasting of a general idea without details. The
idea is floated for reactions pro and con and for refinements.
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Formal development of a change plan.
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Use of a crisis or opportunity to stimulate implementation
of the change plan-retirement of a senior manager or a
sudden loss of market share can facilitate rapid acceptance and implementation
of the change.
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Adaptation of the plan as implementation progresses.
Key features of the logical incrementalism approach
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It focuses on using broad, decentralized, organizational
strategies to guide decision making, entrusting members of the organization
who are familiar with the situation and have the necessary facts and data
to make informed choices.
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Strategy formulation and implementation are linked in a
continuous improvement cycle.
Assumptions of Logical Incrementalism. Conditions
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Compare with:
Emergent Strategy |
Deliberate Strategy
| Strategy Dynamics
| Hoshin Kanri
- Policy Deployment
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