Strategy is an action that managers take to attain one or more of the

organization's goals. Strategy can also be defined as “A general direction set

for the company and its various components to achieve a desired state in the
future. Strategy results from the detailed strategic planning process”.

Difference Between Tactics and Strategy

In a business environment, firms use various techniques, to survive,
compete and grow in the long run. These techniques can be called as
tactics and strategy. Tactics are the actions, projects or events, to reach
a particular point or the desired end, whereas the Strategy is defined as
a game plan, which can help the organization to achieve its mission and
objectives.

These terms are used very often, when we talk about competition
among firms at the market. While tactics refers to the moves which
businesses adopt, to achieve a specific result. On the other hand,
strategy implies a blueprint, that leads the organization to its vision. The
scope of the strategy is bigger than tactics, in a sense that there can be
some tactics in a single strategy. Moreover, the two should go in tandem
or else, the business may have to face failure.

So if you are also looking for the difference between tactics and strategy,
this article will help you in understanding the terms.

Content: Strategy Vs Tactics

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart
BASIS FOR
TACTICS STRATEGY
COMPARISON

Meaning A carefully planned A long range blue print of an

action made to achieve organization's expected
a specific objective is image and destination is
Tactics. known as Strategy.
 BASIS FOR
TACTICS STRATEGY
COMPARISON

Concept Determining how the An organized set of activities

strategy be executed. that can lead the company to
differentiation.

Nature Preventive Competitive

What is it? Action Action plan

Focus on Task Purpose

Formulated at Middle level Top level

Risk involved Low High

Approach Reactive Proactive

Flexibility High Comparatively less

Orientation Towards the present Future oriented

conditions

Difference Between Tactics and Strategy

Last updated on July 26, 2018 by Surbhi S

In a business environment, firms use various techniques, to survive,

compete and grow in the long run. These techniques can be called as
tactics and strategy. Tactics are the actions, projects or events, to reach
a particular point or the desired end, whereas the Strategy is defined as
a game plan, which can help the organization to achieve its mission and
objectives.
These terms are used very often, when we talk about competition
among firms at the market. While tactics refers to the moves which
businesses adopt, to achieve a specific result. On the other hand,
strategy implies a blueprint, that leads the organization to its vision. The
scope of the strategy is bigger than tactics, in a sense that there can be
some tactics in a single strategy. Moreover, the two should go in tandem
or else, the business may have to face failure.

So if you are also looking for the difference between tactics and strategy,
this article will help you in understanding the terms.

Content: Strategy Vs Tactics

1. Comparison Chart
2. Definition
3. Key Differences
4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart
BASIS FOR
TACTICS STRATEGY
COMPARISON

Meaning A carefully planned action made to A long range blue print of an organization's
achieve a specific objective is expected image and destination is known as
Tactics. Strategy.

Concept Determining how the strategy be An organized set of activities that can lead
executed. the company to differentiation.

Nature Preventive Competitive

What is it? Action Action plan

Focus on Task Purpose

Formulated at Middle level Top level

Risk involved Low High

 BASIS FOR
TACTICS STRATEGY
COMPARISON

Approach Reactive Proactive

Flexibility High Comparatively less

Orientation Towards the present conditions Future oriented

Definition of Tactics

The word tactic is an ancient Greek origin of term ‘taktike’ which means
‘art of arrangement.’ To put simply, tactics refers to the skill of dealing
or handling difficult situations, to achieve a specific goal. It is defined
as a process that integrates all the resources of the firm like men,
material, method, machinery, and money, to cope up with the changing
situation immediately. It can be a caution that prevents the organization
from uncertainties.

Tactics are subordinate to, as well as in support of the strategy. There

can be an end number of tactics in a single strategy. Formulated by the
middle-level management, i.e. department heads or divisional managers
are responsible for making tactics considering the company’s overall
strategy. They are made according to the prevalent market conditions.
Hence, changes are frequently made.

Definition of Strategy

A master plan, designed by the organization to fulfill its overall

objectives is known as a strategy. In simple terms, the strategy is
defined as a comprehensive plan, made to defeat the enemies in the
battle. It has the same meaning in the business context also.

The strategy is a combination of corporate moves and actions, used by

the management to attain a competitive market position, carry on its
operations, making best possible use of scarce resources attract more
and more customers to compete in the market efficiently and achieve
organizational objectives. Strategies are action oriented and based on
practical considerations, not on assumptions.
The strategy is formulated by the top level management, i.e. Board of
Directors (BOD), Senior Executives, or the Chief Executive Officer
(CEO). Its formulation requires an in-depth analysis regarding:

 Why is it to be formulated?
 How can it be executed?
 When is it to be executed?
 What will be the order of actions?
 What will be the result?
 What will be the reaction of rivals?

Key Differences Between Tactics and Strategy

The following are the major differences between tactics and strategy:

1. Tactics are the properly organized actions that help to achieve a

certain end. The strategy is the integrated plan that ensures the
achievement of organization objectives.
2. Tactics is a subset of strategy, i.e. without the strategy, tactics can
do nothing.
3. Tactics try to find out the methods through which strategy can be
implemented. Conversely, Strategy is a unified set of activities that
can help the organization to gain an advantageous position.
4. Tactics are formulated by middle-level management, whereas top
level management formulates a strategy.
5. Tactics involve lower risk as compared to strategy.
6. Tactics are preventive in nature while Strategy is competitive in
nature.
7. Tactics are defined as a trip, i.e. typically for a short duration, but
the strategy is a journey that lets the company travel from one
position to another. Hence it is for a long duration.
8. Tactics frequently change with the changes in the market
conditions; however, the strategy remains same for a long period.
9. Tactics have a reactive approach, unlike strategy.
10. Tactics are made for coping with the present situation. In
contrast to strategy, they are made for future.

Conclusion

The strategy is about choosing the best plan for accomplishing long-term
goals of the organization. Tactics instant reaction of the organization, in
response to the changing business environment. For a business entity,
both the tactics and strategy are important. It should be kept in mind
while making strategies or tactics that the tactics match with the
strategy. Similarly, the strategy should consider the tactics. If these two
work in tandem, then the outcome will always be positive, and the risk of
failure will be reduced to a large extent.