The role of Portuguese companies in the development of corporate strategies: case study

Abstract

Strategy assumes a significant role in the managerial field concerning three levels of activity- corporate, business and functional. In academic terms, corporate strategy refers to a set of conceptualized strategies with distinct purposes. However, how does one make a decision regarding corporate strategies? Which forces, internal or external, are capable of influencing it? Are these strategies equally perceived? There is a gap of perception between the academic and business settings. Academically, corporate strategies are only explored towards their aim. However, under real conditions, companies are exposed to further features. Thus, the present investigation aims to develop an understanding about how distinct companies perceive strategy at the corporate level. This article relies on data from 30 companies, with a variety of industries. The results include valuable information regarding the main drivers of the decision behind corporate strategies and the dissimilarities associated to the perception of strategy at the corporate level.