Shifting from Goods-Dominant to Service-Dominant Perspective


Hello, and welcome to “Continuous Improvement,” the podcast that explores the ever-evolving landscape of business and the strategies necessary to stay ahead. I’m your host, Victor. In today’s episode, we’ll be diving into a paradigm shift that has gained prominence in the business world—the transition from a Goods-Dominant approach to a Service-Dominant approach.

To start, let’s take a closer look at the traditional Goods-Dominant approach. In this paradigm, businesses view their offerings solely as valuable products or equipment. The focus is on the tangible item being exchanged, with less consideration for what happens after the exchange. This approach often neglects the role of customer engagement and the broader ecosystem in which the product operates.

Contrastingly, the Service-Dominant approach introduces a radical shift in perspective. It emphasizes that value is not inherent in the product itself but rather in its utility and application—the value-in-use. Instead of considering the product as the sole source of value, this approach recognizes that the firm’s offering is a proposition for customers to realize value through their interactions with the product or service.

But what happens when disruption hits and businesses need to rethink their strategies? Well, approaching disruption through a Goods-Dominant lens might lead to less successful outcomes. This perspective tends to overlook the evolving needs and expectations of customers, hindering the ability to adapt in a changing environment.

So how can businesses navigate disruption effectively? The answer lies in embracing a Service-Dominant mindset. By centering on the value-creating service system, businesses can better understand their customers’ needs, behaviors, and aspirations. This shift encourages collaboration and shared responsibilities between businesses and customers, co-designing value propositions and actively participating in the customer’s journey.

By adopting this Service-Dominant approach, businesses position themselves to discover innovative value propositions that align with their customers’ evolving needs. It’s about evolving beyond the traditional provider role and becoming true collaborators in value creation.

In conclusion, in an era of constant disruption, clinging to traditional Goods-Dominant perspectives can hinder a business’s ability to thrive. Embracing the Service-Dominant approach empowers businesses to be more agile, responsive, and collaborative. It sets the stage for innovative value creation in partnership with their customers.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of “Continuous Improvement.” I hope you found this exploration of the Goods-Dominant and Service-Dominant approaches insightful. Remember, embracing disruption with an open mind and a service-centric outlook is key to not only surviving but also flourishing in the face of uncertainty. Stay tuned for more valuable insights on future episodes. Until next time, this is Victor signing off.