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Sources of Selection in Strategy Making
Author(s) -
Canales J. Ignacio
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of management studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.398
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1467-6486
pISSN - 0022-2380
DOI - 10.1111/joms.12101
Subject(s) - constructive , selection (genetic algorithm) , identity (music) , context (archaeology) , character (mathematics) , mechanism (biology) , element (criminal law) , process (computing) , strategic planning , strategic choice , process management , business , knowledge management , marketing , computer science , political science , epistemology , industrial organization , law , artificial intelligence , mathematics , physics , geometry , philosophy , paleontology , acoustics , biology , operating system
This paper elaborates theory inductively by following the evolution of 14 strategic initiatives from an exploratory case study. The study examines the context and character of such initiatives over an 8‐year period. Based on these initiatives, the paper proposes a two‐stage selection mechanism for the intra‐evolutionary strategy process that explains the long‐term mutation of organizations. The mechanism operates by selecting according to both fit with the strategic intent and feasibility of the initiative. These two elements combine into an organizational principle that is perceived as permanent in character but mutates through constructive confrontation. This principle contributes to the organizational identity but, being a low‐level element of such identity, it can be modified through learning while retaining an attribute of endurance as perceived by organizational members.