Which term describes the process of negotiation, bargaining, and compromise in strategy development?

• A. Corporate strategy
• B. Intended strategy
• C. Synergy
• D. Diversification

Answer: (B)

Negotiation, bargaining, and compromise shape how strategy is formed. The term that captures the plan management aims to implement after those discussions is the intended strategy. It represents the consciously chosen course reflecting agreements across leaders and units, while taking into account resource limits and priorities. This differs from emergent strategy, which arises from patterns that develop as actions unfold, and from realized strategy, which is what actually happens in practice. The other terms describe different ideas: corporate strategy is about the overall scope of the firm, while synergy and diversification refer to outcomes or growth approaches rather than the negotiation-driven plan itself.