GE-McKinsey Nine-Box Matrix

Biological Parallel

The nine-box maps organisms by habitat attractiveness (resource abundance, predation risk) and competitive strength (size, defenses, efficiency). Strong competitors in attractive habitats (top-left) are apex predators in rich ecosystems: invest heavily. Weak competitors in unattractive habitats (bottom-right) are marginal species on poor soils: divest. The middle boxes require judgment—like a medium-sized herbivore in a moderately productive grassland, success depends on specific adaptations and competitor dynamics. Portfolio management is niche assessment at scale.