Question

Strategies can be evaluated according to the three SAFe criteria of suitability in view of organisational opportunities and threats, acceptability to key stakeholders and feasibility in terms of capacity for implementation. Evaluate Unilever strategy discussing the above three SAFe criteria.

Answer 1

Three SAFe criteria of suitability in view of organisational opportunities and threats, acceptability to key stakeholders and feasibility in terms of capacity for implementation can be evaluated in Unilever's case as Unilever follows systematic processes across its functions and uses parameters and standards to evaluate the success of its strategies. The company is in the business of brands in the area of health and hygiene, food and nutrition products and personal care. The company follows practices for doing business in large volumes with effective cost and good quality. It has developed sustainable practices for collaboration with its suppliers and partners for following similar standards in quality and costs. The company has developed strategies like materiality analysis to develop products as per forecasting market trends and consumer insights. The company focuses on providing value to its customer and has developed a system to reduce risks and environmental impact. The company strategies are feasible as it focuses on developing efficiency through on time delivery and costs savings. It has automated processes for maintaining control of its operations, handling volumes of business and managing with innovation. It monitors the sourcing and procurement procedures using technology tools for efficiency and control.

The acceptability of Unilever strategy is assessed based on continuous feedback from its stakeholders including the government, consumers, suppliers, NGOs, research communities, employees and investors. The company follows clear policies and procedures in its business practices to maintain transparency of its global operations. It interacts with its stakeholders on various forums and collects feedback of customers from various channels and social media platforms for understanding their experience and respond to their feedback. The company engages with research community to develop products with economic, social and environmental benefits. The community development programs contribute to growth and development opportunities in various forms to its employees and local communities. It maintains a culture of information sharing and openness through its website and encouraging participation from the various stakeholders for improving the business and transforming for change.