This PPT slide, part of the 654-slide Business Unit Strategy Training Program PowerPoint presentation, presents the "prisoner’s dilemma" as a framework for understanding strategic decision-making among competing companies. It outlines a scenario involving 2 consultants who face a choice that mirrors the strategic choices companies must make in competitive environments. The situation is clearly defined: both consultants are in jail, and their decisions to either remain silent or squeal lead to different outcomes based on their choices.
The matrix illustrates the consequences of their decisions. If both remain silent, they each serve 5 years. If one squeals while the other stays silent, the squealer goes free while the silent one faces a 25-year sentence. If both squeal, they each get 15 years. This setup emphasizes the tension between individual rationality and collective benefit, a core theme in strategic interactions.
The definition section clarifies that if both parties pursue their dominant strategies, they may end up worse off than if they had cooperated. This insight is critical for companies, as it highlights the potential pitfalls of self-serving strategies that neglect the broader industry context.
The application section extends the concept to real-world business scenarios, particularly in duopolies or monopolies. It suggests that companies must weigh the benefits of actions that serve their interests against those that might benefit the industry as a whole. This dilemma is particularly relevant in industries where collaboration could lead to better outcomes for all players involved.
Overall, the slide effectively encapsulates a complex strategic issue in a straightforward manner, making it a valuable resource for executives looking to navigate competitive dynamics.
This slide is part of the Business Unit Strategy Training Program PowerPoint presentation.
EXPLORE MORE SLIDES FROM THIS PRESENTATION
EXPLORE MORE PRESENTATIONS ON
Consulting Training Strategy Development Industry Analysis Environmental Analysis IT Strategy
Find documents of the same caliber as those used by top-tier consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture.
Our PowerPoint presentations, Excel workbooks, and Word documents are completely customizable, including rebrandable.
Save yourself and your employees countless hours. Use that time to work on more value-added and fulfilling activities.
![]() |
Receive our FREE whitepaper on the Top 101 Consulting Frameworks
Download our 200+ page guide summarizing the Top 101 Management Consulting Frameworks. Each framework provides a structured approach to analyzing and solving a common business problem. |