What are the three types of diversification?
Diversification and globalization are the keys to the future." Show
- Fujio Mitarai At times, businesses create completely different products and enter brand new markets. This is known as diversification. Diversification can often be a successful growth strategy but, as most strategic decisions in business, it also has its disadvantages. Let's take a look. Meaning of Diversification in BusinessDiversification is when a business expands into a new industry or segment it does not already operate in. Diversification can be considered as a growth strategy. It takes place when a business is entering a completely new market, segment or industry. Your business may introduce a new product into the supply chain to increase profitability. This product could be related or completely unrelated to your current product offerings. There are multiple types of diversification and each of them takes a different approach to competitive strategy. Types of DiversificationThere are four main types of diversification strategies:
Business Diversification ExampleOne example of a company that has recently been reported to diversify into new markets is Netflix. Recently, the company had announced that it will offer mobile video games to its subscribers, in addition to a Netflix online shop that will sell limited-edition clothing and apparel based on viewers' favorite shows.²Netflix offering video games could be seen as concentric diversification, as the company most likely already has great software and development resources for producing technology-based content. A Netflix shop could be considered as conglomerate diversification as the company does not have previous experience in selling physical goods. Netflix has previously collaborated with clothing retailers but has never been the partner who manufactures the clothing. There has been some controversy surrounding Netflix's diversification. Critics argue that there is a difference between passive engagement with entertainment (watching shows or movies) and active engagement with entertainment (playing video games or making music). It is possible that current subscribers of Netflix use the platform for passive entertainment and would not be interested in playing video games. Developing video games is also not one of Netflix's core competencies and the gaming industry is very competitive, so it could be hard to penetrate the segment and engage customers. The Ansoff MatrixA common way of examining growth strategies for businesses is by implementing the Ansoff Matrix (see Figure 1 below). The matrix is a two by two grid that plots new and existing markets on one of the axes and new and existing products on the other. This grid can be used for strategic planning. It is made up of four different quadrants:
Figure 1. Ansoff Matrix, StudySmarter Importance of DiversificationDiversification can be an important step for a business that is looking to expand. However, it is important to keep in mind that diversification has its benefits and limitations. AdvantagesSome of the advantages of diversification are:
DisadvantagesSome of the disadvantages of diversification could be:
Diversification - key Takeaways
¹ Lighter capital, https://www.lightercapital.com/blog/what-is-diversification-strategy-definition-examples/ ² Jeroen Kraaijenbrink, Why Netflix's expansion into gaming is not a good strategy, 2021. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeroenkraaijenbrink/2021/09/02/why-netflixs-expansion-into-gaming-is-not -a-good-strategy /? sh = 478b7b6964a4 What are the 4 methods of diversification?Igor Ansoff developed the market/product matrix for the growth strategy. The matrix comprises four parts; market development, product development, diversification, and market penetration. Ansoff said that the diversification strategy is entirely different from the other matrix strategies.
How many types of diversification are there?There are three types of diversification: concentric, horizontal, and conglomerate.
What is diversification and types of diversification?Diversification is a risk management technique that mitigates risk by allocating investments across different financial instruments, industries, and several other categories. The purpose of this technique is to maximize returns by investing in different areas that would yield higher and long term returns.
What are the three 3 reasons firms choose to diversify their operations?There are four most often cited reasons for diversification: the internal capital market, agency problems, increased interest tax shield and growth opportunities.
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