The spatiality of strategy: using minimal structures in practice

Lowe, Stephen Oliver Costello (2014) The spatiality of strategy: using minimal structures in practice. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This theory-building case study conceptualizes organization sensemaking using minimal structures. Inductive grounded theory methodology is employed to develop an explanation of the minimal structures as improvised spatial frames, rather than static rules, and understand their contribution to strategic management activities. My study also considers new aspects of the structure and agency relationship in relation to spatial values constructs, and explores an enhanced understanding of how people derive personal meaning from strategies. Despite the acknowledged importance of organization structure and agency in conducting strategic management, there are very few field studies focusing on agent-based improvisation and the meaning of strategy in practice. I place a particular emphasis on the interpretative practices of actors revealed in their spatial orientation to strategy from the perspectives of cognitive frames, values, and a personal sense of place. These attributes and others suggest strategy adoption may be accelerated with consideration of the spatiality of strategy. In the completion of the dissertation I attempt to partially fill this research gap by examining new attributes of minimal structures. Through an iterative discourse with the case study data and cross-disciplinary extant literature, I produce theoretical propositions and substantive middle-range theory supporting a cognitive spatial turn in the Strategy as Practice research perspective.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Strategic management, strategy-as-practice, improvisation, minimal structures, spatiality, values, sensemaking, grounded theory, case study
• Subjects: H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
• Colleges/Schools: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
• Supervisor's Name: MacLean, Dr Donald
• Date of Award: 2014
• Depositing User: Dr Stephen Costello Lowe
• Unique ID: glathesis:2014-5177
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 21 May 2014 13:12
• Last Modified: 29 May 2014 10:57
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/5177