Article
Icarus’ Paradox Revisted: How Strong Performance Sows the Seeds of Dysfunction in Future Strategic Decision Making
Strategic Organization
(2008)
Abstract
This article reports on two studies that examine the relationship between performance and strategic issue-framing and decision-processing. The results suggest strong performance promotes a defensive mindset that may lead to dysfunctional outcomes. Study 1 draws its data from 51 CEOs and shows that performance is associated with framing issues as threats rather than opportunities. Study 2 draws its data from 45 top management teams and shows that performance is associated with less comprehensiveness in decision-making. Implications of these findings provide insights into why organizations that perform well sometimes squander their success subsequently through poor decision-making.
Keywords
- Paradox of Performance,
- Strategic Decision-Making,
- Strategic Issue Diagnosis,
- Top Management Team Processes
Disciplines
Publication Date
October 8, 2008
DOI
10.1177/1476127008096364
Citation Information
Allen C. Amason and Ann C. Mooney. "Icarus’ paradox revisted: How strong performance sows the seeds of dysfunction in future strategic decision making." Strategic Organization 6.4 (2008).doi:10.1177/1476127008096364