Academic strategy research aims to describe observed phenomena, but also to develop theoretical principles with predictive use. To what extent does the complexity and unpredictability of human behaviour make this aim unrealistic? Discuss.
What will be an ideal response?
From a (scientific) research viewpoint, difficulty is no reason not to try to develop useful explanatory
and predictive theories. Among the more rigorous attempts was the so-called Aston research into the
determinants of organizational structures. Aldrich (1999) provides a more recent overview of
theories of organizational behaviours and structures and how they evolve, with potential strategic
relevance (Organizations Evolving: Sage). The question also raises the issues of the multiple levels
and units of analysis that research may study. As a generalization, the broader the scope, the less
detailed and the more generalised the findings, which may also be less obviously practical.
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