Glossary/Strategy & Frameworks/Porter's Generic Strategies
Strategy & Frameworks
Porter's Generic Strategies
Michael Porter's 1980 model stating firms win through cost leadership, differentiation, or a focus on a narrow segment.
By Brandon Mina·CEO, BrandPilot AI·Updated November 2026
Short answer
Porter's Generic Strategies is Michael Porter's 1980 model stating that firms gain competitive advantage through cost leadership, differentiation or focus on a narrow segment. Focus can itself be pursued through cost or differentiation. Porter warned that firms trying to do everything risk being stuck in the middle without a clear advantage.