Lilla Hortoványi

Strategy Without Templates

Adaptation in Digital Environments

Table 6 Mechanism chain and theoretical contributions in template-free environments

Mechanism	Core theoretical contribution	Gap in existing theory	Novel conceptual extension	Future research directions
Experimentation (Chapter 6)	Experimentation becomes a structural necessity rather than an optional strategic tool in template-free environments	Strategy assumes foresight and ex ante evaluation; does not account for epistemically opaque contexts	Epistemic displacement; generative enactment; path-dependent experimentation	Comparative studies of experimentation regimes across industries; operationalization of epistemic opacity
Stabilization (Chapter 7)	Temporary solutions stabilize into durable structures through recursive reinforcement mechanisms without deliberate design	Path dependence emphasizes lock-in but does not explain how heterogeneous temporary solutions become stabilized	Satisficing as structural selection; sedimentation vs. path dependence; patchwork as outcome rather than failure	Longitudinal analyses of stabilization processes; measurement of recursive reinforcement dynamics
Partial integration (Chapter 8)	Partial integration constitutes a stable organizational form rather than a transitional stage or coordination failure	Integration theory assumes coherence as an optimal end-state and under-theorizes structurally incomplete integration	Assemblage logic vs. integration logic; asymmetric coupling; controlled fragmentation as organizational capability	Comparative studies of patchwork architectures; metrics for degrees of partial integration
Mediated feedback (Chapter 9)	Feedback operates without direct control; learning occurs through inferential adaptation under conditions of opacity	Feedback theory assumes transparent cause–effect relations and underestimates algorithmic mediation and causal opacity	Epistemic mediation; inferential adaptation; feedback paradox (data does not imply interpretability)	Studies of inferential adaptation strategies; analysis of knowledge brokerage and interpretive practices
Strategic orientation (Chapter 10)	Strategic effectiveness shifts from optimization toward viability and from control toward continuous calibration	Strategy frameworks assume controllable environments and underplay constrained agency within platform architectures	OCO theory (orientation–cooperation–orchestration); proportional ambidexterity; dialectical tuning under constraint	Cross-industry studies of strategic orientations; SME adaptation pathways in platform-mediated environments

Tartalomjegyzék

Kiadó: Akadémiai Kiadó

Online megjelenés éve: 2026

ISBN: 978 963 664 204 4

Gazdaság

What happens when understanding comes only after action has already begun?

Traditional strategy rests on the assumption that organizations can understand their environment before deciding how to act. Yet the conditions that once allowed organizations to rely on benchmarking, best practices, and proven strategic templates can no longer be taken for granted. Today, organizations increasingly face situations for which no clear roadmap exists. Established assumptions become less reliable, familiar reference points lose their clarity, and strategic decisions must be made before their consequences can be fully understood.

Strategy Without Templates explores how organizations learn, adapt, and navigate environments in which uncertainty is pervasive and established templates are absent or no longer sufficient. Instead of treating strategy as a process of prediction and planning, the book explores how strategic paths take shape through action, experimentation, adjustment, and learning.

A central insight in the book is that temporary solutions are often necessary. What begins as a practical response to an immediate challenge may gradually shape future possibilities in unexpected ways. Some solutions create new opportunities and sources of advantage. Others become constraints that are difficult to overcome.

Hivatkozás: https://mersz.hu/hortovanyi-strategy-without-templates//

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