Cultural Influences on the Process of Strategic Management: Using Scenario Planning for Decision Making in Multinational Corporations

This book investigates the assumption of global applicability of strategic management processes and proposes a framework for cultural sensitivity in scenario planning. It examines the sensitivity of scenario planning to cultural dimensions of uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation based on a global set of management consultants.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 378 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This groundbreaking book stands at the intersection of strategic management and international business, delving into an in-depth examination of the widely held, yet often implicit, assumption that strategic management processes can be universally applied in a standardized, culture-free manner. While various tools have been proposed, they have yet to fully incorporate cultural differences into their framework. Recognizing the prevailing ethnocentric perspective as merely an illusion, strategic management research has shifted its focus toward the cultural sensitivity of its theories, tools, and processes to equip practitioners with the necessary knowledge and tools in multicultural contexts.

To navigate the complexities of uncertain environments and make long-term decisions, practitioners frequently employ scenario planning. However, until now, scenario planning has received limited attention from the academic community. Through this book, the author presents a novel framework for strategic management that integrates the cultural value scale to assess the cultural sensitivity of the long-term planning tool known as "scenario planning." Each step of the scenario planning process has been meticulously examined to evaluate its sensitivity to the cultural dimensions of uncertainty avoidance and long-term orientation.

The foundation of this research lies in a unique global dataset comprising management consultants working for a leading professional service firm. The findings of this study reveal the cultural sensitivity of scenario planning, showcasing varying degrees of sensitivity across different process steps and the tested cultural dimensions.

This groundbreaking work not only sheds light on the cultural nuances that shape strategic decision-making but also provides valuable insights for practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of a globalized business landscape. By embracing cultural sensitivity, organizations can develop more effective strategies that resonate with diverse audiences, fostering long-term success and resilience in an ever-evolving world.

Weight: 605g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030866624
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022