Which sequence describes the stages of power progression?

• A. Origination: cornered resource, counter-positioning. Takeoff: scale economies, network economies, switching costs. Stability: process power, branding.
• B. Initiation, Acceleration, Maturity.
• C. Formation, Expansion, Saturation.
• D. Launch, Growth, Decline

Answer: (A)

Power progression in competitive arenas unfolds through stages that build on distinct sources of advantage. First comes origination, where the goal is to secure a cornered resource or create a unique position others cannot easily replicate. This often involves counter-positioning—setting a strategic stance that makes rivals’ strengths less relevant and differentiates your approach.

When that advantage is protected, the next phase is takeoff, marked by rapid scaling through economies of scale, network effects, and switching costs. These factors amplify value as more users or partners join, while it becomes harder for customers to switch away, fueling faster growth and stronger competitive heft.

Finally, stability emerges, where power becomes durable through process power—efficient, repeatable capabilities—and branding that sustains preference and trust over time. Together, these elements describe a realistic path from creating a unique edge to expanding it and then maintaining it.

Other sequences describe generic lifecycles rather than the strategic progression of power. Initiation, acceleration, and maturity outline a product or market lifecycle without detailing how power is built and sustained. Formation, expansion, and saturation convey growth stages but not the mechanism-driven steps that fortify a position. Launch, growth, and decline reflect a market lifecycle with potential downturns, but they don’t capture how power solidifies through resource control, network effects, and durable capabilities.