Reinforcing Threat Cycles: The Interrelation of Strategic Issue Categorization
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2018-09-22
Author(s)
Abstract
Negative reinforcing cycles prompted by paradoxical tensions can have a detrimental effect on organizations. One source of such tensions are strategic issues, where the contradictory categorization options “threat” or “opportunity” cause internal pressures, putting the organizations into a rigid behavioral mode. The developments and consequences of such reinforcing cycles have thus far only been investigated theoretically and within isolated contexts. We lack insights into spillover effects to subsequent strategic issues. This study proposes to examine the patterns of 350 interrelated strategic issue categorizations of six organizations in the context of a multi-competitor sailing race. We further investigate the reinforcing threat cycles of one focal organization. We thereby illuminate the interrelation of strategic issue categorization and contribute to better understanding reinforcing cycles within the paradox literature.
Language
English
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Event Title
38th Strategic Management Society (SMS) Annual International Conference
Event Location
Paris
Event Date
22.09-25.09.2018
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
254040