Thesis
Plans are useless but meaningful planning is indispensable : exploring how purpose, trust and emotion shape managerial sensemaking in strategy practice
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2025
- Thesis identifier
- T17561
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 201955706
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- This research examines how do perceptions of purpose, trust, and emotion shape managerial sensemaking in strategy practice, with a focus on strategic planning processes and the relationship between senior and middle management. Three institutions from the further and higher education sectors in Scotland were analysed using an empirical qualitative case study approach. This triangulated source method enabled a detailed examination of institutional practices in complex educational settings and structures. This research synthesises concepts typically captured under the umbrella of strategy-as-practice such as purpose (Alvesson and Sveningsson’s, 2024; Hamel, 2009; Mintzberg and Rose, 2003), trust (Frei and Morriss, 2020; Sillince et al., 2012; Holstein et al., 2016), and emotion (Burgelman et al., 2018; Lencioni, 2012; Liu and Maitlis, 2014; Hodgkinson and Healey, 2011) and sensemaking (Maitlis, 2005; McKiernan and MacKay, 2017; Day et al., 2023) in strategy practice. These provided a theoretical foundation for examining how perceptions of purpose, trust and emotion shape managerial sensemaking in strategy practice. Greater connectivity of strategy-as-practice perspectives is needed to advance this crucial research agenda (Kohtamäki et al., 2021). The findings offer three propositions: a clear strategic purpose that creates meaning for all stakeholders, effective relational senior management behaviour as a critical influence, and the importance of two-way sensemaking that enables constructive strategic conversations. Emotions are a significant factor shaping decisions, relationships, and interactions, with trust playing a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, autonomy and commitment to the strategic ambitions. By building on prior insights, these propositions aim to advance discussions on strategy practice, particularly within further and higher education settings. This study proposes a framework focused on Purpose, Behaviour, and Action and offers actionable steps for enhancing strategy practice in complex organisations. The research offers many avenues for further research, particularly in applying these conditions to achieve greater strategic results in education settings.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Mackay, David
- Smith, Marisa
- Resource Type
- DOI
Relations
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