High ConceptualPhase 1: Alliance Conception Phase 2: Alliance Design- project concept exploration • minutes of understanding
- strategic compatibility approved
- relationship building • business planning starts
- concept proposal • business plan completed
- exchange of documents • agreement concluded
Low High
Technical Technical
Phase 4: Operating Phase 3: Alliance Formation- day-to-day operations • alliance start-up
- administration • transition to operations
- support and supply • technical project management
management • ongoing improvement - evaluation against Phase 1
concept
Low ConceptualHOW TO USE THIS LEADERSHIP TOOL
“Like romances, alliances are built on hopes and dreams—what might
happen if certain opportunities are pursued.”
—Rosabeth Moss Kanter, HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEWEstablishing mutually beneficial alliances or partnerships requires that you a) assess your own
organization to determine what kind of alliance, if any, will further your strategic business
interests, and b) do a similar assessment of your potential partner organization(s) to determine
compatibility between that organization and your organization. Ask yourself these essential
alliancing questions:
? Why should your organization be involved in partnering (e.g., a joint venture, a strate-
gic alliance)?
? How will creating a joint venture or alliance provide synergies for your organization
and your partner’s?Like any good marriage, a solid, long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between orga-
nizations begins with a good understanding of yourself and your intended partner. A thorough
self-assessment can help you determine whether an alliance might further your business inter-
ests.
WEB WORKSHEET
Use the workspace here to assess your organization and your proposed partner organization(s)
for strategic fit. Whether or not you ultimately form an alliance with another organization(s),
this analysis will serve as useful strategic architecture for your organization.
SECTION 3 TOOLS FORSTRATEGICTHINKING 93
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