Weyerhaeuser's storming performance: Unanticipated winner makes gains from first Gulf War

Abstract

Purpose

Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

The popularity of Sun Tsu's The Art of War highlights the longevity of the phenomenon of business looking to the military for inspiration. The scientific management movement's mechanistic approaches coincide horribly with the carefully organized destruction of the First World War. The field of logistics originates squarely in advances made by armies in time of war. The management conference scene is littered with expensive speakers who have retired from the military, or politicians who showed courage in times of conflict. The reason why is clear – business benefits handsomely from lessons in strategy learned when the stakes are the highest of them all.

Practical implications

Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Citation

(2005), "Weyerhaeuser's storming performance: Unanticipated winner makes gains from first Gulf War", Strategic Direction, Vol. 21 No. 11, pp. 19-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/02580540510630696