Parallel competitive intelligence processes in organisations

Author: Gibbons Patrick T.   Prescott John E.  

Publisher: Inderscience Publishers

ISSN: 0267-5730

Source: International Journal of Technology Management, Vol.11, Iss.1-2, 1996-05, pp. : 162-178

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Abstract

This paper outlines a model of competitive intelligence processes in organisations. Specifically, it defines the simultaneous gathering and analysis of competitive information by line managers and formal scanning units as the parallel intelligence process. It then reports an empirical test of the model. Organisational attempts at integrating line managers' efforts with formal organisational intelligence processes were investigated. The findings suggest that single integrating mechanisms were not used alone; instead, multiple mechanisms were used in combination to link the paths of the parallel process. Explanations are outlined and conclusions drawn to relate these findings with theoretical assertions advanced in the strategic process literature.