Which Mintzberg approach is described as 'planning for winter'?

Which Mintzberg approach is described as 'planning for winter'?

• A. Spider
• B. Squirrel
• C. Water buffalo
• D. Ostrich

Answer: (C)

Mintzberg uses animal metaphors to describe how organizations respond to environmental uncertainty. The phrase planning for winter captures a defensive, resource-preserving stance: the organization prepares for hard times by tightening control of costs, conserving cash and other buffers, and focusing on sustaining core capabilities rather than taking big risks. This long-term, cautious approach helps the organization survive through difficult periods, even if it means slower growth in the short term. Why this fits best: it emphasizes stability, efficiency, and reserve-building as a deliberate posture for facing future uncertainty. In contrast, the spider would suggest actively building flexible, opportunistic actions; the squirrel implies quick, opportunistic changes; and the ostrich denotes ignoring warning signs. Water buffalo aligns with a conservative, planning-for-winter mindset.

Mintzberg uses animal metaphors to describe how organizations respond to environmental uncertainty. The phrase planning for winter captures a defensive, resource-preserving stance: the organization prepares for hard times by tightening control of costs, conserving cash and other buffers, and focusing on sustaining core capabilities rather than taking big risks. This long-term, cautious approach helps the organization survive through difficult periods, even if it means slower growth in the short term.

Why this fits best: it emphasizes stability, efficiency, and reserve-building as a deliberate posture for facing future uncertainty. In contrast, the spider would suggest actively building flexible, opportunistic actions; the squirrel implies quick, opportunistic changes; and the ostrich denotes ignoring warning signs. Water buffalo aligns with a conservative, planning-for-winter mindset.