Behavioral strategy
Strategic Management JournalPublished 27 October 2011
Thomas C. Powell, Dan Lovallo, Craig R. Fox
Citations677
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score10.18
SNIP3.84
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Abstract
Abstract Behavioral strategy merges cognitive and social psychology with strategic management theory and practice. Despite much progress, the aims and boundaries of behavioral strategy remain unclear. In this paper we define behavioral strategy and identify the main unsolved problems. We propose a unifying conceptual framework for behavioral strategy and conclude by introducing the papers of the Special Issue on the Psychological Foundations of Strategic Management. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Keywords
PsychologyBusiness, Management and Accounting
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