Executive Development: An analysis of Competitive forces

Corporate investment in training is divided among university-based, open-enrollment, executive education programs; executive MBA programs; company-designed and -delivered executive development programs; and customized courses developed and taught by business schools and consultants. An analysis of the competitive dynamics of the field of executive and leadership development may be of interest for two reasons. First, the industry dynamics of this growing field provide a powerful illustration of the insights that can be gained through traditional competitive analysis. More important, an understanding of these dynamics will help planners and strategists understand and utilize an important lever for strategic change in a more efficient manner. The five forces of competitive analysis are competitors, suppliers, potential entrants, potential substitutes, and customers. Trends shaping the transformation in leadership/executive development are: 1. more customized, strategic programs, 2. shorter, more focused, large-scale, cascaded programs, and 3. more action-learning projects with measurable results.