Strategy frameworks & analysis · Specialist
Question mark
Also called: problem child
ELI5
A weak-position business in a fast-growing market.
Used in conversation
“The question mark needs a clear path to share or exit.”
Definition
In the BCG matrix, a low-share business in a high-growth market requiring a strategic choice.
Here “Question mark” means: In the BCG matrix, a low-share business in a high-growth market requiring a strategic choice.
Pitch context
You will see “Question mark” in strategy decks, market analyses, business plans and planning workshops when the discussion reaches strategy frameworks & analysis.
Why it matters: It helps a reader interpret strategy frameworks & analysis without confusing the measure, decision, role or evidence being discussed.
Sources & evidence · 5
Supporting source families. This entry is an editorial synthesis rather than a quotation from one canonical glossary.
- Strategyzer — Business Model Canvas resourcesSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- Strategyzer — Value Proposition Canvas resourcesSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- LEANSTACK — Lean CanvasSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division — Herfindahl-Hirschman IndexSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Census Bureau — Business and economy dataSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16