Strategic planning for regulated companies

The need for strategic planning by firms to achieve an alignment with their environment is widely recognized. Various studies have analysed the structures and strategic processes utilized by firms in their attempts to establish domains and attain goals. Yet the problems faced by firms in regulated environments by and large have been ignored. This paper examines the critical differences found in regulated environments that affect strategic planning. Propositions which can serve as the basis of future empirical research are offered and a theoretical framework in which to view the regulated industry situation is developed.