"كلما قامت الشركات بالمقارنة المرجعية، كلما أصبحت شبيهة ببعضها البعض."
— Michael Porter
Simplified Meaning:
When companies compare themselves to others to see how they measure up, they often end up copying each other. This can make them all look similar, with no unique qualities. Imagine a group of students in a class who look at each other’s work to see how they are doing. If they all start copying the best student’s answers, their work will all look the same, and no one will stand out. For example, if a bakery sees another bakery's success with a specific type of cupcake and decides to make the same cupcake in the exact same way, it might lose its unique recipes and special qualities. Instead of continuing to offer unique flavors and styles, it starts looking just like every other bakery. To avoid this, companies should focus on what makes them special instead of just trying to imitate others. They should innovate and build on their own strengths. This way, they can stand out in the market and attract customers who appreciate their unique offerings.