ITPEC FE Morning October 2019 Question 69

According to the “competitive strategy” proposed by Philip Kotler, which of the following describes a company that has no high market share, but has the strategic aim to increase income and acquire a unique position by focusing management resources on particular products and services?

Explanation

Market nicher — a firm without a high share that concentrates its resources on particular products and services to hold a unique position.

Kotler classifies firms by their competitive position in a market:

  • •Leader: the top share; expands total demand and defends its position across the whole market
  • •Challenger: a large firm, not yet on top, that attacks the leader to gain share, often by differentiation
  • •Follower: imitates the leader and aims at stable profit without risky challenges
  • •Nicher: a small share, but specialises in a narrow segment where it can be unique and profitable

Answer (d)

Why not others:

  • •(a) — a market challenger aims to raise its share by attacking the leader across the market, not by narrowing its focus
  • •(b) — a market follower copies the leader's products and strategy, which is the opposite of seeking a unique position
  • •(c) — a market leader has the highest share, which contradicts "no high market share"

Key rule: Leader defends the whole market, challenger attacks the leader, follower imitates, nicher specialises in a segment.

Business Strategy Management · AI-written, may contain errors

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