STRATEGYMonths to result

Response of Threatened Entities Framework

Threatened entities' response

Problem it solves

emerging industries

Best for

Firms facing emerging industries

Not ideal for

Firms with low exit barriers

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Response of Threatened Entities Framework describes how entities threatened by emerging industries can respond to the threat. This response can take the form of pricing below cost, investing in cost reduction, or lobbying against the emerging industry. The framework highlights the importance of exit barriers in determining the threatened industry's response.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Threatened entities will respond to emerging industries based on their exit barriers.
  2. The response of threatened entities can take various forms, including pricing below cost and investing in cost reduction.
  3. The framework highlights the importance of understanding the exit barriers in an industry to anticipate the response of threatened entities.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Assess Exit Barriers
    Assess the exit barriers in the threatened industry, including specialized assets, high perceived strategic importance, and emotional ties.
    Pro tipHigh exit barriers can lead to more aggressive responses from threatened entities.
    WarningIgnoring exit barriers can lead to underestimating the response of threatened entities.
  2. Determine Response
    Determine the response of the threatened entity based on the exit barriers, including pricing below cost, investing in cost reduction, or lobbying against the emerging industry.
    Pro tipThe response should be tailored to the specific exit barriers and industry characteristics.
    WarningA poorly chosen response can lead to ineffective efforts to stem the growth of the emerging industry.

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
Electric Utilities

Electric utilities have lobbied against solar energy subsidies, demonstrating a response to an emerging industry.

OutcomeThe response has slowed the growth of the solar energy industry.

Common mistakes

2 traps
Underestimating Exit Barriers
Ignoring or underestimating exit barriers can lead to ineffective responses to emerging industries.
Inadequate Response
A poorly chosen response can lead to ineffective efforts to stem the growth of the emerging industry.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The framework is based on the concept of exit barriers, which are factors that make it difficult for firms to leave an industry. High exit barriers can lead to determined efforts by threatened industries to stem the growth of emerging industries.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Competitive Strategy
Michael E. Porter · 1980
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