Related diversification

Definition

Related diversification is a corporate strategy that involves a company expanding its operations into areas that are related to its existing business activities. This approach allows firms to leverage their core competencies, share resources, and benefit from synergies in production, marketing, and distribution. Companies often pursue this strategy to improve competitive advantages and increase market share by entering markets with similar products or services.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Related diversification helps reduce risks by spreading investments across different but related markets, which can stabilize revenues.
2. Companies can achieve economies of scale through related diversification, as they can share operational costs across different product lines.
3. This strategy allows for enhanced brand recognition and customer loyalty, as firms can introduce new products that align with their existing brand identity.
4. Related diversification can lead to increased bargaining power with suppliers and customers due to a broader range of products offered.
5. Successful related diversification often requires effective management of organizational culture and integration processes to ensure smooth transitions between different business units.

Review Questions

• How does related diversification create value for a company compared to unrelated diversification?
  • Related diversification creates value by allowing companies to leverage existing resources, capabilities, and market knowledge in new but connected areas. This strategy enhances synergies between different business units, leading to lower costs and increased efficiencies. In contrast, unrelated diversification may not provide the same level of synergy since the businesses are not linked, making it harder to share resources or develop competitive advantages.
• In what ways can core competencies influence the decision to pursue related diversification?
  • Core competencies play a critical role in deciding whether to pursue related diversification because they represent the unique strengths that a company can leverage in new markets. When a firm identifies opportunities where its core competencies align with potential new business areas, it is more likely to succeed in those ventures. Companies typically analyze their strengths to ensure that any diversification efforts will enhance their market position and overall performance.
• Evaluate the risks associated with related diversification and how companies can mitigate these risks effectively.
  • The risks associated with related diversification include overextension of resources, cultural clashes between different business units, and potential misalignment with core competencies. Companies can mitigate these risks by conducting thorough market research before entering new areas, ensuring strong leadership and communication strategies are in place for integration, and closely monitoring the performance of diversified units. By maintaining a focus on their core strengths while exploring related opportunities, firms can minimize risks and enhance overall strategic coherence.

Related terms

synergy: The concept that the combined value and performance of two companies or business units will be greater than the sum of their individual parts, often achieved through related diversification.

core competencies: The unique strengths and resources that a company possesses, which enable it to compete effectively in the market and are leveraged during related diversification efforts.

horizontal integration: A strategy where a company acquires or merges with other companies at the same level of the supply chain, often used in conjunction with related diversification to strengthen market presence.