Search results

1 – 2 of 2
Article
Publication date: 2 May 2008

Mahmood Nooraie

The purpose of this paper is to identify the role of the rationality of the strategic decision‐making process between decision magnitude of impact and the quality of the decision…

5451

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the role of the rationality of the strategic decision‐making process between decision magnitude of impact and the quality of the decision process output.

Design/methodology/approach

From analysis of alternative research approaches, a field survey seems to be the most appropriate methodological choice. This is a field study of real strategic decision‐making process rather than an artificial setting. The questionnaire consists of items measuring the variables of primary interest; namely the independent, mediator, and dependent variables. The study was conducted in Pinang, Malaysia, involving small, medium, and large‐sized private manufacturing firms. To test and eliminate ambiguous or biased items and to improve the format, both for ease of understanding and to facilitate data analysis, a pilot study was conducted by computing Cronbach's reliability alpha.

Findings

The results of regression analysis indicate that the decision magnitude of impact is significantly associated with the level of rationality in the decision‐making process. The results of hierarchical regression analyses indicate that the extent of rationality in the decision‐making process is able to significantly change the total variations in the decision‐ making quality explained by magnitude of impact.

Research limitations/implications

The complex nature of strategic decision‐making process as a research topic places limitations on this study, particularly in the area of sample selection and data availability and collection. The major sample selection at the manufacturing firms is difficult because a firm's perception in terms of strategic decisions may not be the same, thus it is not easy to ascertain relevant sample characteristics.

Practical implications

Findings of this study indicate that a better quality decision is achieved through a rational process. Thus, organizations should encourage greater use of rationality in the decision‐making process, especially when the decision that is going to be made has more impact on the various parts of the organization or it is a strategic decision.

Originality/value

This study is believed to be the first to test the mediating impact of rationality of the strategic decision‐making process. This study was carried out among Malaysian manufacturing firms, and therefore comparison of its results to the findings in other countries may suggest the influence of other factors such as ideology, belief, and culture on strategic decision‐making processes. This in turn may open up a promising avenue for future research.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 46 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 July 2021

Esra Saleh Al Dhaen

Strategic decision importance has rarely been investigated as a decision-specific characteristic in the strategic decision-making process (SDMP) literature taking into…

Abstract

Purpose

Strategic decision importance has rarely been investigated as a decision-specific characteristic in the strategic decision-making process (SDMP) literature taking into consideration information management while taking important strategic decisions. Here, the ability of decision importance to predict decision effectiveness as an outcome of SDMPs in higher education institutions (HEIs) is examined in the context of Bahrain.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is developed relating decision importance to decision effectiveness indirectly via the SDMP characteristics intuition, rationality and decentralization. Data from a cross-sectional questionnaire completed by leaders of HEIs and academics involved in strategic decision-making in Bahrain are used to test the model and hypotheses via correlation analysis. The paper also considers a literature review of the use of information management while taking a strategic decision.

Findings

Decision importance is shown to positively influence decision effectiveness in Bahraini HEIs mediated by rationality and by decentralization in decision-making, although negative effects of decentralization are also demonstrated. However, decision importance does not influence decision effectiveness mediated by intuition.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the small sample size, the results cannot be generalized to contexts beyond HEIs in Bahrain. Additional SDMP characteristics of significance in the context of HEIs could be future investigated, for instance, political behaviour and lateral communication, are not included in the model. Future research exploring the latter two aspects could provide deeper insight into the findings.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper could be considered by HEIs senior management and members of the governing body while strategic decision-making, which could be at different levels, including strategic planning or assessing a strategic decision in terms of effectiveness. This paper will also provide insight one the use of information while considering strategic decision-making.

Social implications

A model leading for effective strategic decision-making could be used by leaders of HEIs and regulators including licensing bodies and QA agencies to set standards for HEIs for sustainable performance and quality education in line with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Initiative. Strategic decision-making will have an impact on the overall performance of HEIs and serve all relevant stakeholder’s including parents, students, employers and industry.

Originality/value

Little research conducted in relation to strategic decision-making in the Gulf Cooperation Council therefore, this research will add original findings and the outcome of this study will lead to future research related to SDMP and the use of information management in the overall strategic decision-making.

Access

Year

All dates (2)

Content type

1 – 2 of 2