Why embrace strategic ambiguity in business warfare?

 Plenty of examples of strategic ambiguity are cited in military warfare. Israel’s nuclear weapons and Taiwan issue between USA and China are good illustrations. This strategic ambiguity can be easily adopted in business warfare as well. 

A precise definition of strategic ambiguity might be the best starting point in   developing a potentially workable one in business warfare. My definition of strategic ambiguity is “Using communication and grapevine deliberately to spread fake or make news such that receivers are in the state of continuous confusion as regards to the content and purpose of the news, leading them to either draw wrong conclusions or drive multiple interpretations”.

The cardinal factor in strategic ambiguity is the art of deception that gets the opponents in business warfare embroiled in unproductive arguments within their companies or time-wasting discussion with their counterparts in public domain. Strategic ambiguity is mainly used in the following circumstances: 

1. Present calculus of the position between firm and the opponents is skewed favourably towards opponents in the event of hostilities breaking out in the market place for firm’s products

2. By way of deterrent so that opponents do not mount any pre-emptive attack on the firm or its products

3. Confusing both allies and enemies so that real intention of the firm is kept under the lid till such time firm is in a really strong position to initiate the chosen action in the following instances:

a) Firm going through major change in production and marketing structure that makes it more competitive. Good example is balancing on-line trade with opening of new stores

b) Re-calibrating products and services taking into count of the changes in trending style & fashion. Introducing the newest model of electric car in the coming motor show is an apt example

c)  Preparing for an attack against one competitor who is prime for an hostile but quick takeover that can be concluded within few hours or days without alarming the fellow competitors. 

 

Cheers!

 

Muthu Ashraff Rajulu

Business Strategist

Mobile: + 94 777 265677

E-mail:   cosmicgems@gmail.com

Blog:   Business Strategist