Final answer:
Strategic managers need to understand the analytical and emergent models because analytical models simplify complex systems for clarity, while emergent models capture the complexity of real-world situations. Together, they facilitate a comprehensive approach to strategy formulation and execution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the necessity for both the analytic and emergent models of strategic management is important because they each address different aspects of an ecological or business system. Analytical models are excellent for simplifying complex systems and are mathematically intensive, offering a clear structure for understanding linear components of a system, such as food chains. However, they may oversimplify and thus not fully capture the intricacies of an ecosystem or a business environment. On the other hand, emergent models, including simulation models that use computer programs, excel at processing complex systems more realistically and can handle nonlinear, complex structures better than analytical models.
While analytical models can help with problem solving and understanding the physics of a situation, emergent models are equipped to process abstract information, anticipate unprecedented situations, and make individual sacrifices for the greater good. This hybrid approach can lead to better strategy formulation and execution in various social and ecological contexts. Therefore, mastering both models can provide strategic managers with the tools needed to operate effectively, even when on "autopilot", and respond to crises in a timely manner.