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Organic vs inorganic growth

Hello, as I was reading about growth strategy cases I read about two ways for approaching growth, being organic and inorganic. I was wondering whether in the solution I must opt for one of these or could suggest a solution that combines both.

 

Best regards,

Lisa

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Top answer
Andreas
Coach
15 hrs ago
BCG Principal, 150+ BCG interviews (incl. final rounds), Post-MBA offers from All Big 3 / MBB

Hi Lisa, 

Good question and the simple answer is that it depends on the case. 

Generally you want to always target organic growth (unless the case specifically asks you to focus on an inorganic strategy), which in some instances should be combined with inorganic growth (again, highly case dependent). 

So in short, yes, you can and often should suggest a combination of organic and inorganic growth. But you want to make sure your recommendation is specific to the case in question and not generic. 

Please reach out, if you think its helpful to talk through this and go through a specific example. 

 

Cheers,

Andreas

7 hrs ago
1st session -50% | Ex-McKinsey| Offical McKinsey Case Coach | +250 coaching sessions

Hi Lisa,

Each case is going to be different, so your answer will most likely focus on organic or inorganic. 

What I find you can do, to show that you know what the other option is, is mention it in your solution - you could say 

"If the company doesn’t want to pursue the organic route of expanding distribution channels into a new geographic market, they could consider aninorganic route and acquire a company with a synergistic but entirely new product."

The goal of a case is not to mention everything you know or cram in all possible structures. 

Instead, focus on presenting a simple, comprehensive, and MECE (mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive) structure that is data-driven (driven by the data that your interviewer is giving you). 

Good luck!

Han
Coach
15 hrs ago
Ex-Mckinsey EM| Experienced round 1 interviewer | Free 15mins intro call

Hi Lisa, 

You can absolutely suggest a solution that combines both organic and inorganic growth. In fact, that’s often the strongest answer, but not always both apply to the situation. But there can be some constraints to consider where only either one dimension applies. Below are two most common examples in case interviews:

1. Severe Financial Constraints

  • Why: M&A requires significant capital or debt capacity.
  • Example: A company with thin margins or high debt can't afford acquisitions — only organic levers are viable.
  • Suggestion: Stick to organic growth like pricing optimization, upselling, or expanding distribution.

2. Time Sensitivity for Results

  • Why: M&A takes time (due diligence, regulatory approval, integration).
  • Example: If a company needs to show growth in the next 6 months (e.g., pre-IPO), organic levers may be faster.
  • Suggestion: Focus on short-term organic plays like salesforce optimization or pricing changes.

 

Feel free to reach out for more follow up questions. 

 

Best of luck!

Han

Daniel
Coach
9 hrs ago
Ex-McKinsey, Bain & Kearney | 5+ yrs consulting, coaching & interviewing | 95%+ candidate success

Hi Lisa,

Most cases go either or. But it's not wrong to suggest a combined solution that includes both organic and inorganic growth, in fact, that's often the most realistic and strategic approach.

  • Just make sure to structure your thinking clearly (e.g., split the analysis into organic vs. inorganic paths)
  • Then prioritize based on feasibility, timeline, and impact; you might recommend starting with one and layering in the other

Best of luck with your prep!

Mariana
Coach
4 hrs ago
You CAN make it! | xMckinsey | 1.5h session | +200 sessions |Free 20-Minute Call

Hi Lisa!

That will depend on the context of the case, as mentioned above. On top of what has been mentioned, I suggest you to research about these two types of growth in MBB articles so you can better understand the logic behind them rather then memorizing a fixed approach.

Best,

Mari

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