Oil's well that ends well : Uniting structure with strategy

Purpose – Reviews the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – In today's challenging economic climate and increasingly tough business world, organizations can only hope to succeed if everyone and everything is pulling in the same direction. If not, leaders must make a beeline for the road towards change. Strategic renewal often enjoys prominence on change agendas. In many cases, it will prompt a radical transformation of strategy. However, this can prove a knee‐jerk reaction with one common mistake being a failure to ensure fit with current or future business environments. But the best strategy in the world will only have a limited impact without the support of an appropriate structure. Indeed, alignment between strategy and structure is a must. Astute companies appreciate this. Many, however, remain misguided and allow short‐term financial goals to drive structure change. In such cases, the bigger picture is largely ignored. Practical implications – Provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.