Judgment and Strategy

This insightful work redefines strategy as a process of self-awareness, emphasizing judgment and critical inquiry. In Judgment and Strategy, Holt explores how organizations present themselves effectively.

In Judgment and Strategy, the author challenges traditional notions of strategy as merely a tool for control, instead framing it as a practice rooted in self-awareness. The text introduces the concept of strategic inquiry, which involves an ongoing process of self-presentation for organizations. This approach emphasizes the importance of judgment over mere decision-making, inviting readers to reconsider how organizations can effectively convey their identity to both internal and external audiences.

Holt delves into the complexities of strategic inquiry, highlighting the necessity for organizations to understand their unique contexts, such as emerging markets and diverse skill sets within populations. Through this lens, organizations can create a series of images that distill their essence as cohesive entities. The book draws from a rich tapestry of literature, art, and philosophy to explore the implications of presenting an organizational 'self' in a meaningful way.

Furthermore, Judgment and Strategy identifies three key forms of self-presentation in strategy practice. These include representational knowledge, visionary images, and competitive will. Each form presents its own challenges, such as the risk of thoughtlessness or one-dimensional competition. By advocating for a judgment-based approach, Holt suggests that organizations can engage in a more nuanced form of inquiry, one that resonates with the critical perspectives of thinkers like Hume and Kant, ultimately leading to a richer understanding of their identity and purpose.