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Strategic Planning as a Learning Process

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Abstract

Strategic planning has been characterized as a learning process. However, despite the high relevance for strategic management, little empirical evidence has been collected so far on the learning process. In this paper we suggest that a high degree of learning in the strategic planning process should result in a higher effectiveness of planning, which should positively influence adaptiveness, market performance, and return on sales of the business unit. In addition, we propose hypotheses on the determinants of learning in strategic planning and test these hypotheses by using a structural equation modeling (LISREL).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. European Business School, Schloß Reichartshausen, D-65375, Oestrich-Winkel, Germany

    Utz Schäffer (Chair of Management Accounting & Control)

  2. WHU - Otto Beisheim Graduate School of Management, Burgplatz 2, D-56179, Vallendar, Germany

    Bianca Willauer (Chair of Controlling and Telecommunications, Deutsche Telekom AG Foundation Chair)

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  1. Utz Schäffer
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  2. Bianca Willauer
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Correspondence to Utz Schäffer.

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We would like to thank one anonymous referee for helpful comments.

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Schäffer, U., Willauer, B. Strategic Planning as a Learning Process. Schmalenbach Bus Rev 55, 86–107 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03396668

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