Business warfare, symmetrical asymmetrical response

When business warfare breaks out between two powerful companies, the first to open the salvo gets only a temporary advantage that too in the short run. In the long run the other firm could choose between either symmetrical or asymmetrical response or both blended to make the counter move effective.

Symmetrical response basically means that the responder looks at the proportion & severity of the damage caused by the attacking firm and mirror it exactly when delivering the counter punch. Giants in the business often do not over-react but calibrate their response in a timely & orderly manner keeping to the overriding concept of symmetry in terms of impact. In cola war and in internet & social media contest this maxim is adhered to, by all.

Asymmetrical response, on the other hand means that there is no adherence to the proportion, severity or identity. Responder can opt for various ways to counter. One is to get a third party to move against the initiator, of course, using the resources and technology of the responder. A good example happens in tobacco industry on and off where a third party firm brings out a new type of cigarette at the behest of the responder to engage in business warfare.

Another alternative is to drop ‘paying in the same coin’ and apply an altogether different response that the initiator would have never expected. In cereal and food industry responder can choose different type of inputs composition. For example, in oats marketing you will see plain ones and others that include nuts & fruits to captivate the buyers. In Germany oats are packaged with different assortment of edibles so that asymmetrical business warfare beats the originator in style.

Third option is to use both symmetrical and asymmetrical responses simultaneously in business warfare. Here the initiator who attacked first, finds himself caught where the responder mirrors the response in similar proportion and severity but use asymmetrical response by alerting the state regulatory body that oversees the industry, by proving an unhealthy practice of the initiator and request them to proceed upholding justice. This type of symmetrical & asymmetrical response often takes place in mergers & acquisition where the aggrieved party alerts Federal Trade Commission or such regulatory body as regards to the proven malpractice.

 

Cheers!

 

Muthu Ashraff Rajulu

Business Strategist

Mobile: + 94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com

Blog:   Business Strategist