What are the differences and similarities between the tactical and strategic decisions you have made?

In a business environment, firms use various techniques, to survive, compete and grow in the long run. These techniques can be called as tactics and strategy. Tactics are the actions, projects or events, to reach a particular point or the desired end, whereas the Strategy is defined as a game plan, which can help the organization to achieve its mission and objectives.

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Content: Strategy Vs Tactics
Comparison Chart
Definition of Tactics
Definition of Strategy

These terms are used very often, when we talk about competition among firms at the market. While tactics refers to the moves which businesses adopt, to achieve a specific result. On the other hand, strategy implies a blueprint, that leads the organization to its vision. The scope of the strategy is bigger than tactics, in a sense that there can be some tactics in a single strategy. Moreover, the two should go in tandem or else, the business may have to face failure.

So if you are also looking for the difference between tactics and strategy, this article will help you in understanding the terms.

Content: Strategy Vs Tactics

Comparison Chart
Definition
Key Differences
Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for Comparison	Tactics	Strategy
Meaning	A carefully planned action made to achieve a specific objective is Tactics.	A long range blue print of an organization's expected image and destination is known as Strategy.
Concept	Determining how the strategy be executed.	An organized set of activities that can lead the company to differentiation.
Nature	Preventive	Competitive
What is it?	Action	Action plan
Focus on	Task	Purpose
Formulated at	Middle level	Top level
Risk involved	Low	High
Approach	Reactive	Proactive
Flexibility	High	Comparatively less
Orientation	Towards the present conditions	Future oriented

Definition of Tactics

The word tactic is an ancient Greek origin of term ‘taktike’ which means ‘art of arrangement.’ To put simply, tactics refers to the skill of dealing or handling difficult situations, to achieve a specific goal. It is defined as a process that integrates all the resources of the firm like men, material, method, machinery, and money, to cope up with the changing situation immediately. It can be a caution that prevents the organization from uncertainties.

Tactics are subordinate to, as well as in support of the strategy. There can be an end number of tactics in a single strategy. Formulated by the middle-level management, i.e. department heads or divisional managers are responsible for making tactics considering the company’s overall strategy. They are made according to the prevalent market conditions. Hence, changes are frequently made.

Definition of Strategy

A master plan, designed by the organization to fulfill its overall objectives is known as a strategy. In simple terms, the strategy is defined as a comprehensive plan, made to defeat the enemies in the battle. It has the same meaning in the business context also.

The strategy is a combination of corporate moves and actions, used by the management to attain a competitive market position, carry on its operations, making best possible use of scarce resources attract more and more customers to compete in the market efficiently and achieve organizational objectives. Strategies are action oriented and based on practical considerations, not on assumptions.

The strategy is formulated by the top level management, i.e. Board of Directors (BOD), Senior Executives, or the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Its formulation requires an in-depth analysis regarding:

Why is it to be formulated?
How can it be executed?
When is it to be executed?
What will be the order of actions?
What will be the result?
What will be the reaction of rivals?

The following are the major differences between tactics and strategy:

Tactics are the properly organized actions that help to achieve a certain end. The strategy is the integrated plan that ensures the achievement of organization objectives.
Tactics is a subset of strategy, i.e. without the strategy, tactics can do nothing.
Tactics try to find out the methods through which strategy can be implemented. Conversely, Strategy is a unified set of activities that can help the organization to gain an advantageous position.
Tactics are formulated by middle-level management, whereas top level management formulates a strategy.
Tactics involve lower risk as compared to strategy.
Tactics are preventive in nature while Strategy is competitive in nature.
Tactics are defined as a trip, i.e. typically for a short duration, but the strategy is a journey that lets the company travel from one position to another. Hence it is for a long duration.
Tactics frequently change with the changes in the market conditions; however, the strategy remains same for a long period.
Tactics have a reactive approach, unlike strategy.
Tactics are made for coping with the present situation. In contrast to strategy, they are made for future.

Conclusion

The strategy is about choosing the best plan for accomplishing long-term goals of the organization. Tactics instant reaction of the organization, in response to the changing business environment. For a business entity, both the tactics and strategy are important. It should be kept in mind while making strategies or tactics that the tactics match with the strategy. Similarly, the strategy should consider the tactics. If these two work in tandem, then the outcome will always be positive, and the risk of failure will be reduced to a large extent.

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