The Eclectic Roots of Strategy Implementation Research

Abstract

The researcher interested in strategy implementation faces a formidable challenge. Although this area has drawn many calls for research attention, there is not a deep and cohesive body of prior literature on which to draw in developing new efforts. This study proposes that through taking a broadened perspective of the nature of implementation, a range of valuable insights for the implementation researcher is available. First, various conceptualizations and definitions of implementation that have been proposed are considered. Next, a broad range of literature fields that have direct and indirect implications for the study of strategy implementation are reviewed. This review is organized around a framework that distinguishes between structural and interpersonal process views of implementation. Insights for the implementation researcher are highlighted. Finally, future directions for implementation research are proposed.