Many businesses operate a traditional strategy in their approach to planning, mainly because their activities are relatively predictable and regular. With an agreed strategy, a detailed plan can be produced with short, medium and long-term goals, with details of what has to happen, who is involved, when it should happen, how it should happen, where it should happen, and why.

In traditional organisations, this may be the end of the business planning process, and the point where the people in the business just get on with their jobs. However, for many businesses, the 'complete' traditional strategy may not be appropriate. Some smaller businesses may not have the systems, management and information database necessary to carry out the key tasks within the planning process. These types of organisations often use so-called emergent strategies which enable them to:

• react to changing circumstances
   

• develop a direction without extensive prior planning.