Setting and achieving strategic objectives is critically important because

this is what prevents management's drive for achieving good financial performance from overwhelming the pursuit of higher levels of customer satisfaction.

the aggressiveness with which a company pursues strategic objectives is the most important determinant of long$-$term customer satisfaction.

a stronger market standing with buyers and improved competitive strength to combat rivals' vitality$--$especially when these result in a bigger competitive advantage$--$is what enables and empowers a company to improve its financial performance in upcoming periods.

achieving targeted strategic outcomes is more important in determining a company's credit rating and financial well$-$being than whether the company is meeting shareholder expectations for good short$-$term financial performance.

a company's strategic performance is the biggest single factor that determines how fast a company will be able to increase dividends to shareholders and boost the company's stock price.