Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

3-2012

Abstract

This qualitative study analyzes the decision-making process involved in adapting preconceived courses of action during the implementation of a strategic initiative. We observe that the type of decision-making process hinges on the nature of managers’ emerging awareness of future events. When managers become aware of new uncertainty, the process involves selectiveness, deliberateness, and diligence. By contrast, when managers become aware of new certainty, the process conforms to the problem-solving adhocracy and decision-making messiness emphasized in prior literature. We summarize our findings in a framework, proposing that decision-level differences in awareness and uncertainty can explain the observed variation in strategic decision-making processes during implementation. We also discuss implications for theory on procedural rationality and analytical comprehensiveness.

Keywords

strategic decision making, decision-making processes, strategic initiatives, implementation, uncertainty

Discipline

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Operations and Supply Chain Management | Strategic Management Policy

Research Areas

Operations Management

Publication

Organization Science

Volume

24

Issue

1

First Page

133

Last Page

153

ISSN

1047-7039

Identifier

10.1287/orsc.1110.0726

Publisher

INFORMS

Copyright Owner and License

Publisher

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.1110.0726

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