Introduction
Rationales are part of the Strategic Response Model and articulate the reasoning behind strategic decisions made in response to triggers. See: Strategic Response Model
A rationale describes the strategic reasoning behind a proposed initiative or business response. It provides a traceable link between a business decision and the motivation behind it—such as addressing a performance issue, fulfilling stakeholder expectations, responding to regulatory changes, or seizing market opportunities. Rationales help ensure that every action taken by the organisation is grounded in strategic intent.
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The Strategic Response Model defines the following categories of drivers:
Driver Type | Description | Common Triggers | Example Rationales | Related Domains |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Regulatory change | Changes in legal or regulatory requirements | New legislation, audits | Align with safety standards; address compliance risks | Policy, Initiatives, Capabilities, Performance |
Customer demand shift | Shifting customer expectations or behaviours | Feedback, usage patterns | Improve onboarding; redesign mobile services | Strategy, ValueStream, Capabilities, Stakeholders |
Operational risk | Threats to continuity or operational efficiency | System failure, safety incidents | Enhance cyber resilience; strengthen recovery plans | Capabilities, Performance, Information, Organisation |
Technology obsolescence | Legacy or unsupported systems impacting operations | End-of-life systems, innovation lag | Modernise tech stack; enable data interoperability | Information, Capabilities, Initiatives |
Cost pressure | Financial constraints requiring efficiency or cost optimisation | Budget cuts, benchmarking | Consolidate platforms; automate manual processes | Performance, Capabilities, Initiatives, Organisation |
Workforce change | Evolving workforce dynamics | Hybrid work, attrition | Reskill staff; adapt HR policies | Organisation, Policy, Capabilities |
Stakeholder expectation | Pressure or concern from internal or external stakeholders | Board expectations, ESG concerns | Increase transparency; implement ethical compliance | Stakeholders, Policy, Performance |
Market opportunity | New market trends or emerging business opportunities | Competitor gap, new segment demand | Launch services; localise products | Strategy, ValueStream, Capabilities, Initiatives |
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