Escolhas estratégicas e estilo cognitivo: um estudo com pequenas empresas



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Fernando Antonio Prado Gimenez

Abstract

This study describes the cognitive structure adopted by small firms' owners and managers in the strategic management of their businesses. The influence of respondents' cognitive styles over strategic decisions was explored, as well as the role exerted by environmental turbulence on strategic choices. A careful exploration of Miles and Snow's (1978) taxonomy of strategic types and Kirton's (1976) Adaptation-Innovation theory suggested that a prospector strategy may be preferred by individuals whose psychological characteristics indicate an innovative behaviour. On the other hand, defensive strategies seem to be most attractive to individuals who prefer an adaptive cognitive style. The research method involved a set of nineteen interviews with small firms' owner-managers in two types of environemt: one highly dynamic and competitive in terms of techonlogy, and another less turbulent. An additional sample of fourteen entrepreneurs allowed a more detailed exploration of the association between environmental turbulence, cognitive style, and strategic choices. Results indicated that there are good reasons to believe that environmental turbulence is associated with strategic choices, while cognitive preferences do not seem to be associated with strategy formation.

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How to Cite
Gimenez, F. A. P. (1). Escolhas estratégicas e estilo cognitivo: um estudo com pequenas empresas. Journal of Contemporary Administration, 2(1), 27-45. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1415-65551998000100003
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Author Biography

Fernando Antonio Prado Gimenez, Manchester Business School

Doutor em Administração pela Manchester Business School, UK. Professor Adjunto do Departamento de Administração da Universidade Estadual de Londrina e Pesquisador do CNPq. Suas áreas de interesse em pesquisa são administração de pequenas empresas e estratégia empresarial.