A causal model of linkages among environmental dimensions, macro organizational characteristics, and performance

Article Abstract:

An integrative model of relationships among environmental dimensions, diversification strategy, firm size, structural divisionalization, and economic performance was developed and tested using environmental and organizational data from 110 large manufacturing firms. The results suggested that among those organizations, (1) higher levels of environmental instability were associated with lower levels of divisionalization and diversification, (2) strategy followed structure, and (3) size did not mediate the strategy-structure relationship. Furthermore, both environmental instability and diversification were positively related to market determined performance, and instability was negatively related to operating performance. The results provided support for portions of each of three models, the external control, strategic management, and inertial models. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Research, Manufacturing industry, Manufacturing industries, Diversification in industry, Industrial diversification

Navigating in the new competitive landscape: building strategic flexibility and competitive advantage in the 21st century

Article Abstract:

Technological developments and increasing globalization are defining the new competitive landscape worldwide while strategic discontinuities are changing the nature of competition. Successful maneuvering and maintaining a competitive edge require strategic flexibility. Strategic flexibility can be achieved through effective leadership, development of core competencies, enhancing the human capital, application of new technologies, exploiting the international market and implementation of innovative organizational structure and culture.

Intnl Economic Relations, Competition (Economics), International economic relations, International competition (Commerce), International competition (Economics)

Building theoretical and empirical bridges across levels: multilevel research in management

Article Abstract:

The evolution of multilevel research and a Special Research Forum on Building Bridges across Levels that was organized to promote and encourage multilevel research are presented. Some suggestions for people to embark on multilevel investigations and bring about major advances in knowledge and improve management practice are given.

United States, Forecasts, trends, outlooks, Management dynamics, Management Development, Operations Research, Forecasts and trends, Practice, Market trend/market analysis, Empiricism, Scholars