The innovation of moving from a "country" store where the proprietor fills the shopper's list with items from behind the counter to a self-service supermarket where the shopper fills a cart with items represents a move between which of the following pairs of competitive stages?
A) From available-for-service to journeyman.
B) From available-for-service to distinctive competence achieved.
C) From journeyman to distinctive competence achieved.
D) From distinctive competence achieved to world class service delivery.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The transition from a country store to a self-service supermarket represents a move from the available-for-service competitive stage (where customers have limited options and rely heavily on the service provider) to the distinctive competence achieved competitive stage (where customers have more options and can take more control over their own shopping experience). In this stage, companies differentiate themselves from competitors by providing unique features and benefits to customers. The self-service model was a new and innovative way to provide convenience and flexibility to customers, which gave supermarkets a competitive advantage.

The Innovation of Moving from a "Country" Store Where the Proprietor