Marketing / Strategy Concepts Review The 4 Cs

4 Cs

Developed by McKinsey & Co., The Seven S Model is the best framework to help you align the companys
organizational components under one strategic umbrella. Examining the organizational aspect of the company can be a
major component in your attempt at Cracking the Case. Many brilliant strategies fail because the softer side of the
company is neglected. When appropriate, make sure you touch on some of the issues raised by the Seven S Model

COMPANY

Internal
Analysis

The
Seven S
Model

framework and whether they support or hinder your recommendations.

The competencies that are held

by the organization not just
the people (e.g., skills and
experience of the people; best
management practices;
innovation; superior service)

Actions that the company

takes to gain a sustainable
Skills
advantage in the
Strategy
marketplace (e.g., low
cost; high quality; new
Shared
product development;
Values
entering new markets)
The basic values that are widely
accepted and practiced with the
company and act as the guiding
principles of what the company
stands for (e.g., a shared
understanding of the purpose
the company serves and its
vision for the future; being the
biggest or the best)

The structure in which rules and responsibilities are

specialized and dispersed, and the channels of authority are
outlined (e.g., organizational structure; channels of
communication; chain of command or the lack of)

The companys approach to

recruitment, selection, training,
and blending of qualified staff
(e.g., on campus recruiting;
formal training; prior
experience; leadership and/or
management skills)

Structure

Staffing

Style
The leadership style of upper
management and the day-to-day
operations of the company (e.g.,
hierarchical; meritorious;
norms; common practices)

Systems

HBS Case Interview Guide, Page 13

The formal and informal processes and procedures

used by the company to manage itself on a daily
basis (e.g., budgeting; planning; compensation;
performance measurement; management control
systems; information systems).