Risky Strategy: Understanding Risk to Improve Strategic Decisions

by Jamie MacAlister

What is risk? Is it a real danger or just an opportunity in disguise? Can it be out-manoeuvred or is it something to be embraced and worked with ? When companies are developing their business strategies, risk may be mentioned in passing (and even then, frequently misunderstood) but is rarely seen as a key component of the strategic decision-making process. This can lead to unforeseen complications – strategy is all about making decisions that concern an uncertain future and so risk should play a significant role in that process. The handling or understanding of risk is often delegated to specialists and much of what is written about risk is, due to its complexity, inaccessible to the majority of senior managers. Risky Strategy aims to make the consideration of risk more accessible and understandable and, in doing so, develop a common language and understanding for recognising and handling it. Based on research carried out by Ashridge Business School, as well as case studies of the strategic decision-making process in action, Jamie MacAlister takes the subject out of the textbooks and brings it engagingly to life. Drawing on lessons from Apple to Procter & Gamble, from Napoleon to Nelson, from Roger Federer to Sir Alex Ferguson, and from Pythagorus to Sir Isaac Newton, Risky Strategy provides a new and dynamic perspective on risk, demonstrating how and when to take the right risk, and knowing how to recognise the common risks that can derail even the most well-planned projects.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2016

Reviews

[Antonio · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Risky strategy combined two main professional interests of mine: strategy and risk and is very appropriate for the contemporary global situation where there are a lot of disruptions and uncertainty in the world (pandemic, wars, energy crisis...).

As a supply chain consultant, I discuss strategy with my clients all the time and also have to consider various risks connected to the functioning of supply chains. This book helped me to learn how to look on various risks.

So this is my assessment of the book Risky Strategy by Jamie MacAlister, according to my 8 criteria:
1. Related to practice - 5 stars
2. It prevails important - 4 stars
3. I agree with the read - 5 stars
4. not difficult to read (as for non English native) - 4 stars
5. Too long (more than 500 pages) - short and concise (150-200 pages) - 4 stars
6. Boring - every sentence is interesting - 4 stars
7. Learning opportunity - 4 stars
8. Dry and uninspired style of writing - Smooth style with humouristic and fun parts - 4 stars

Total 4,25 stars