Environmental Scanning in U.S. Companies: Their Nature and Their Relationship to Performance

摘要: Introduction Successful organizations are those that most effectively interact with their environments (Hambrick 1982, Pfeffer and Salancik 1978). According to contingency theorists, performance is dependent on the organization's ability align or match its strategies, structures, processes environment (Burns Stalker 1967, Duncan 1972, Lawrence Lorsch 1967). Alignment incumbent obtain relevant information about current future environment. Environmental scanning process by which an organization collects environmental information, it then utilizes in strategic management process. Although many recognize importance of scanning, past studies indicate very few have adopted a systematic structured approach this task (Fahey, King Narayanan 1981, Keegan 1974). Difficulties implementation has been cited as cause failure adopt these systems (Stubbart 1982). Implementing effective systems, not only entails establishing appropriate monitoring procedures collect timely but also involves dissemination user. Since emphasis here collection cerebral one. In other words, individuals undertaking function need make subjective judgments at various stages Further, since value realized when corporate planners utilize more informed decisions, structures ensure users attend above clutter daily administrative tasks. The "explosion" (in terms quantity) available complexity dynamism will force want use competitive tool, methods task. This requires decisions pertaining purpose, scope, be made prior data collection. reduce redundancy best "information values", forced number regards specialization function, types sources used sectors. much written for little descriptive empirical research uses sample survey conducted topic. evolve perception uncertainty (Daft, Sormunen Parks 1988), there reexamine update concepts explored earlier studies. Research Objectives Significance Study objective paper two fold. First, examines practices scanning. As part evaluation, addresses veracity Jain's (1984) findings evolutionary nature, newspapers important source information. Second, tests literature derived hypotheses relating business performance. study's significance usefulness stems from factors. provides practitioners, especially larger firms, understanding "state-of-the-art" systems. industry level analysis, undertaken study, enable firms formative system design, concentrate resources areas provide return efforts. theory building affected if suggested Jain (1984). Normative theories would factor time learning dimensions. …