The primary role of functional area strategies is to

specify how to build and strengthen the skills, expertise, and competencies needed to execute operating-level strategies successfully.

create compatible degrees of strategic intent among a company’s different business functions.

set forth the performance targets to be pursued in such functional departments as R&D, production, sales and marketing, human resources, customer service, and finance.

unify the company’s various operating-level strategies.

add relevant details to the hows of a company’s overall business strategy by specifying what actions, approaches, and practices will be employed in managing particular functions within a business.