Developing a Successful Subsidiary Strategy: A Step-by-Step Toolkit for Managers

Business strategy books typically focus on the corporate level, but middle managers need to plan for their units' future and compete for resources within the internal market. This book provides practical perspectives and a toolkit for developing a successful subsidiary strategy, based on the authors' 30 years of experience and academic study.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Business strategy is a crucial aspect of any organization's success, and it is often approached from a corporate perspective. However, the reality is that most managers work in sub-units or subsidiaries of the business and are not directly involved in corporate strategy formulation. Their strategic concerns lie in the positioning and future trajectory of their own units within the complex internal ecosystem in which they exist. To ensure the survival and growth of these units, middle managers must plan for their future, maximize their value-add, and compete for resources within the internal market of their corporations.

These internal markets are becoming increasingly volatile due to various factors, including general economic conditions, questioning of globalization, and increasing corporate concerns about the fragility of international supply chains. The COVID-19 crisis and the war in Ukraine have further highlighted these challenges.

This book aims to provide practical perspectives and a step-by-step toolkit for business unit managers to develop a successful subsidiary strategy that acknowledges these challenges while maximizing their contribution to corporate objectives. The author, with 30 years of experience as an executive in a complex multinational organization (IBM), has supplemented this knowledge with academic study at the Masters and PhD levels. The material covered has been verified through workshops with the senior leadership teams of over 30 multinational subsidiaries operating from Ireland over a 3-year period.

The book begins by discussing the importance of business strategy and the challenges faced by managers in sub-units or subsidiaries. It then provides an overview of the key elements of a successful subsidiary strategy, including vision, marketplace, competition, and differentiation. The author emphasizes the need for managers to understand their own units' unique strengths and weaknesses and to align their strategies with corporate objectives.

Next, the book delves into the internal market of the corporation, including the dynamics of resource allocation, competition, and collaboration. It discusses the importance of building strong relationships with other units and departments within the corporation and the role of middle managers in fostering collaboration and synergy. The author provides practical tips and techniques for managers to navigate the internal market and compete for resources effectively.

The book also addresses the challenges of globalization and international supply chains. It discusses the risks and opportunities associated with operating in different markets and the need for managers to develop a global mindset and adapt their strategies accordingly. The author provides insights into the strategies used by successful multinational subsidiaries and the lessons learned from their experiences.

In conclusion, this book provides valuable perspectives and a practical toolkit for business unit managers to develop a successful subsidiary strategy that acknowledges the challenges of the internal market and globalization. It is based on the author's extensive experience and academic study and has been verified through workshops with senior leadership teams of multinational subsidiaries. By implementing the strategies outlined in this book, managers can position their units for success and contribute to the overall growth and success of their corporations.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032544038