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Competitive analysis, structure and strategy in politics: a critical approach
Author(s) -
Smith Gareth
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of public affairs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.221
H-Index - 20
eISSN - 1479-1854
pISSN - 1472-3891
DOI - 10.1002/pa.40
Subject(s) - politics , relevance (law) , parliament , metaphor , competitive advantage , economics , positive economics , industrial organization , marketing , political science , business , management , law , philosophy , linguistics
This article begins by arguing that the structure of the political market differs significantly from business markets and that, consequently, the prescribed strategies from ‘traditional’ marketing theory are not always appropriate in politics. Then the military metaphor is applied to the political market and its ability to illuminate competitive strategy in this market is explored. Particular attention is paid to the interaction of direct and indirect strategies in politics over the lifecycle of a parliament. The relevance of military principles in implementing the strategies identified is then considered. The paper concludes with a wider discussion of the limitations of the military/competitive model as applied to politics and a general indication of how a more comprehensive competitive model might be created. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.