Strategy maps: a step‐by‐step guide to measuring, managing and communicating the plan

Abstract

Purpose

To demonstrate a step‐by‐step model of strategy mapping for improving strategy communication in today's organization. The work is based on experience gained while consulting in a myriad of organizations adopting strategy mapping as a strategic initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the past few years since strategy mapping was introduced in literature, the author found that clients in the organizations with which they consulted were often struggling with how to go about implementing a strategy mapping initiative. It became clear that what was needed what a systematic, step‐by‐step framework that was easy to understand and follow. The author developed and refined a six‐step strategy‐mapping framework, which has proven both efficient and effective in practice.

Findings

The recent literature in the area of strategy mapping has proven very useful in terms of explaining what strategy maps are, and why organizations should adopt. The author demonstrates a proven strategy‐mapping model and provides a context through which it can be understood and successfully applied (i.e. how to implement strategy mapping). Validation of the framework is anecdotal and strongly suggests that the framework is both efficient and effective in applying strategy maps in organizations.

Practical implications

The six‐step strategy‐mapping model provides a clear and dynamic blueprint for all people wanting to implement this very useful tool for communicating strategy. The case study provided in the article provides a clear, hands‐on example that will encourage organizations to undertake their own strategy mapping initiative.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills a need for a sound, step‐by‐step, real‐world, grounded guide for implementing a strategy map in any organization.

Citation

Scholey, C. (2005), "Strategy maps: a step‐by‐step guide to measuring, managing and communicating the plan", Journal of Business Strategy, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 12-19. https://doi.org/10.1108/02756660510597065