Author(s): Andres Osorio, Julia Clemencia Naranjo-Valencia, Gregorio Calderon-Hernandez
The purpose of this article is to describe and analyze those methods which are commonly applied to operationalize the competitive strategy variable. Those which have been most often applied in the scientific strategic management and strategic human resource management literature are specifically identified. The most appropriate alternative, which makes valid, reliable operationalization of the strategic competitive variable possible, is established via analysis of the identified methods. This occurs by way of the understanding that competitive strategy is a multidimensional phenomenon which must reflect consistency in its formulation and implementation processes. Identified alternative facilitates appropriate investigative decisions related to operationalization of the competitive strategy variable, based on appropriate methodological arguments. Additionally, it resolves the problem of a lack of homogenization in competitive strategy measurements, a situation that exists in the literature, and which hinders the comparison of results between studies.