Which term describes unplanned actions that become part of realized strategy?

• A. Emergent strategy
• B. Intended strategy
• C. Corporate governance
• D. Strategic fit

Answer: (A)

Emergent strategy describes actions that weren’t planned in advance but, through patterns that unfold over time, become part of what the organization actually implements. It arises from learning, experimentation, and adaptation as managers and teams respond to real conditions in the market, technology changes, and competitive moves. The realized strategy is therefore a blend of deliberate steps and new routines that proved effective and are carried forward. This stands in contrast to an intended strategy, which is the explicit plan created beforehand. Corporate governance focuses on oversight and accountability, while strategic fit relates to aligning resources and capabilities with external opportunities. The term that best captures unplanned actions becoming part of realized strategy is emergent strategy.