search query: @indexterm ORGANIZATION THEORY / total: 191
reference: 105 / 191
Author: | Mintzberg, H. Waters, J. |
Title: | Does decision get in the way? |
Journal: | Organization Studies
1990 : VOL. 11:1, p. 1-6 |
Index terms: | DECISION MAKING INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOUR BUREAUCRACY ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR STRATEGY ORGANIZATION THEORY ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT |
Language: | eng |
Abstract: | The definition of (realized) strategy as "a pattern in a stream of decisions" is critically examined. The important general conclusion is that the concept of "decision" may sometimes serve to confuse things. Like so many other concepts in organization theory, it can sometimes turn out to be an artificial construct. Some of the ambiguities associated with the concept of decision are demonstrated. One fundamental problem with decision is the difficulty of identifying commitment in the collective context of organization. It is shown that the pattern in behaviour (strategy) may or may not have been intended, so too the single behaviour may or may not have involved prior commitment (decision). Thus, decision can get in the way of understanding. |
SCIMA