From metaphor to practice in the crafting of strategy
Journal
Journal of Management Inquiry
ISSN
1056-4926
ISSN-Digital
1552-6542
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2005-03-01
Author(s)
Abstract
This article explores how the link between the hand and the mind might be exploited in the making of strategy. Using Mintzberg's image of a potter undergoing iterative and recursive learning and knowledge-building processes as a point of departure, the authors
develop a three-level theoretical schema, progressing from the physiological to the psychological to the social to trace the consequences of the hand-mind link. To illustrate their theoretical
schema, the authors present an illustration case of managers froma large telecommunications firm experimenting with a process for strategy making in which they actively use their hands to construct representations of their organization and its environment. The authors conclude that new and potent forms of strategy making might be attained if the fundamental human experience of using one's hands is put in the service of all kinds of organizational learning.
develop a three-level theoretical schema, progressing from the physiological to the psychological to the social to trace the consequences of the hand-mind link. To illustrate their theoretical
schema, the authors present an illustration case of managers froma large telecommunications firm experimenting with a process for strategy making in which they actively use their hands to construct representations of their organization and its environment. The authors conclude that new and potent forms of strategy making might be attained if the fundamental human experience of using one's hands is put in the service of all kinds of organizational learning.
Language
English
Keywords
strategy
organizational learning
hand-mind link
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Sage Periodicals Press
Publisher place
Newbury Park, Calif.
Volume
14
Number
1
Start page
78
End page
94
Pages
17
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
20341