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London School of International Business (LSIB)

What is the difference between strategic management and general management?

The Difference Between Strategic Management and General Management

When it comes to the world of business, management plays a crucial role in ensuring the success and growth of an organization. Two key types of management that are often discussed are strategic management and general management. While both are essential for the functioning of a company, they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics.

Strategic Management

Strategic management involves setting long-term goals and objectives for an organization and devising strategies to achieve them. It focuses on the big picture and involves making decisions that will shape the future of the company. Strategic managers are responsible for analyzing the external environment, identifying opportunities and threats, and aligning the organization's resources to capitalize on them.

Strategic Management General Management
Long-term focus Short-term focus
External environment analysis Internal operations management
Goal setting and strategy formulation Day-to-day decision-making
Top-level executives Middle and lower-level managers

General Management

General management, on the other hand, is more focused on the day-to-day operations of the organization. It involves overseeing the daily activities, managing resources, and ensuring that the company's goals are being met on a regular basis. General managers are responsible for implementing the strategies devised by the strategic managers and ensuring that the organization runs smoothly.

While strategic management sets the direction for the organization, general management is responsible for executing the plans and ensuring that the company operates efficiently on a daily basis. Both types of management are essential for the success of an organization, and they work hand in hand to achieve the company's overall objectives.

In conclusion, strategic management and general management are two distinct but complementary functions within an organization. Strategic management focuses on long-term planning and goal setting, while general management is more concerned with the day-to-day operations and implementation of strategies. By understanding the differences between the two, companies can effectively utilize both types of management to drive success and growth.