Dynamics of strategy formulation: leadership linkages

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to understand the leaders with respect to their internal world and social setting in the context of formulation of path breaking strategies. The endeavour is to go beyond the rational mode of analysing the structures and processes behind the strategy setting progression and tries to comprehend the people dimension. Once the individual is placed as the central force behind the strategy setting process, the scope of building a rational structure for the analysis become limited. By briefly sketching the life and times of nine outstanding leaders of India, who represent the political, business and social domains, it is argued that the World View or the life philosophy of the individual leader defines the contours of the strategic direction. The World View itself is originated from the core personality of the leader, his life experiences and the moments of truth or the turning points in his life. However, at the end of the day the success of the leader depends on the process of managing the inner self.