Abstract
Our study explores what drives environmental scanning in organisations. Existing literature emphasises perceived environmental uncertainty as the primary driver of scanning behaviour. While other drivers have been examined implicitly in previous research, focus has tended to be on the orientation towards either opportunities or threats. The inductive analysis of seven case studies presented here suggests two things. First, that the relationship between perceived environmental uncertainty and scanning could be more complex than previously thought, and second, that a number of drivers apart from uncertainty may exist in their own right. Based on analysis of qualitative interview and secondary data, we propose that type of perceived uncertainty - state, effect, or response – may be an important determinant of scanning behaviour. We also advance knowledge of organisational motivations for scanning by identifying four drivers – opportunity search, relationship management, environment modelling, influence monitoring – that were replicated across multiple case studies.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 6 Sept 2018 |
Event | British Academy of Management Conference 2018 - University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom Duration: 4 Sept 2018 → 6 Sept 2018 |
Conference
Conference | British Academy of Management Conference 2018 |
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Abbreviated title | BAM 2018 |
Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
City | Bristol |
Period | 4/09/18 → 6/09/18 |