Skip to main content
Article
Icarus’ Paradox Revisted: How Strong Performance Sows the Seeds of Dysfunction in Future Strategic Decision Making
Strategic Organization (2008)
  • Allen C. Amason, Georgia Southern University
  • Ann C. Mooney, Stevens Institute of Technology
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
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