Strategic management cultures: historical connections with science

Abstract

Purpose The implicit and indirect influence of classical science on strategic management has been of utmost importance in the development of the discipline. Classical science has underpinned the main and even contrasting strategic management cultures. Classical science has undoubtedly allowed strategic management to thrive. Nevertheless, important limitations, roadblocks and challenges have also been produced. This paper aims to explore the influence of classical science on the main positivist and interpretive strategic management cultures. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual review is done on the influence of classical science on positivist and interpretivist traditions in strategic management. Findings The benefits and shortcomings of classical science in strategic management are explored and presented. Furthermore, the convoluted implicit relationship between strategic management and science is shown to be changing but persisting, as to face some of the challenges of the classical science culture of strategic management, a complexity culture, also inspired partially on science, seems to be developing in strategic management. Complexity seems to be emerging as an alternative, which might allow strategic management to solve some of its current dilemmas and, thus, change its implicit relationship with science. Originality/value The paper presents a novel way to conceptualize historical cultures of strategic management via their connection with academic cultures that have historically emerged from science. Through the analysis here done, a possible candidate for a Kuhninan normal strategic management and its potential revolution will be suggested, based on the recognition of the inheritance of classical science and currently complexity theory in strategic management.

Dynamic capabilities strategy for sustainability development in print media management

“…In the last few decades, Rumelt [8] described in his writings an overview of the strategists on strategic management thought. In strategic management, there are some economic thoughts that hesitantly conduct strategic management compared to economy [8], or classic economy [9]. Some groups chose to develop beyond their capability standard, but still maintaining their unique strength and weakness in understanding strategic management.…”

“…Strategic management is about how a manager or as organization leader makes it to attain the company's goal to survive in market, to keep growing and to seize a competitive advantage, so that the company's goal is suitable with the external environment at that time [9 -11]. One of the fundamental topics of strategic management study is company performance [9,12].…”

What’s this science ever done for us?

“…The classic debate emerged on whether to focus on studying the content of strategies or the process and the people that produce it. Dr Pederzini (2016) of the University of Bath, UK, has analyzed the influences of classical science on positivist and interpretivist traditions in strategic management. Conceding that the history of strategic management is "messy and intricate", he says: "Largely, and very roughly, one could say that the various faces of strategic management could be encapsulated in two broad cultures, each with their own beliefs, values and specific ramifications and specializations.…”

Managing Change and Managerial Innovation towards Employees Satisfaction at Workplace

“…The result is an increasing gap between the firm and its environment. Similarly, incremental processes rarely overcome internal inertia: organization members do not perceive the need to fundamentally change the way they work and the bureaucracy reinforces bad habits [6].…”