7. Principles of Flowing Stream Strategy

The continuity–change matrix presented in the last chapter has identified four types of strategies, viz., tree, mushroom, wind, and flowing stream strategy. It has been observed that though a large class of organizations either fall under the category of flowing stream or are heading toward it, strategic roadmap of balancing high continuity and high change forces is not yet adequately articulated. In order to evolve such a roadmap, guiding principles of flowing stream strategy are discussed in this chapter. First, the overall strategic thinking behind these principles (covering strategic dimensions and associated risks) is outlined. Subsequently, each principle is discussed so as to identify the strategic channel it supports leading to the evolution of key channels framework (to be elaborated in the next chapter).