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Purpose and Progress in the Theory of Strategy: Comments on Gavetti

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  • Sidney G. Winter

    (The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104)

Abstract

This article comments on the behavioral theory of strategy advanced in Gavetti [Gavetti, G. 2012. Toward a behavioral theory of strategy. Organ. Sci. 23 (1) 267–285]. His proposal offers valuable insights into the cognitive aspects of strategy when leaders are trying for big wins. It provides less guidance for understanding the actual achievement of success, partly because it underestimates the role of serendipity and of contextual factors illuminated by prior strategy research.

Suggested Citation

  • Sidney G. Winter, 2012. "Purpose and Progress in the Theory of Strategy: Comments on Gavetti," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 23(1), pages 288-297, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:23:y:2012:i:1:p:288-297
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1110.0696
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Patrick Planing, 2017. "On the origin of innovations—the opportunity vacuum as a conceptual model for the explanation of innovation," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-18, December.
    7. Teppo Felin & Stuart Kauffman & Todd Zenger, 2023. "Resource origins and search," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(6), pages 1514-1533, June.
    8. Giovanni Gavetti & Anoop Menon, 2016. "Evolution Cum Agency: Toward a Model of Strategic Foresight," Strategy Science, INFORMS, vol. 1(3), pages 207-233, September.
    9. Shubha Patvardhan & J. Ramachandran, 2020. "Shaping the Future: Strategy Making as Artificial Evolution," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 31(3), pages 671-697, May.
    10. Bart Leten & Rene Belderbos & Bart Van Looy, 2016. "Entry and Technological Performance in New Technology Domains: Technological Opportunities, Technology Competition and Technological Relatedness," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 53(8), pages 1257-1291, December.
    11. Levine, Sheen S. & Reypens, Charlotte, 2016. "Small Differences in Experience Bring Large Differences in Performance," MPRA Paper 82858, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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    13. Busch, Christian, 2024. "Towards a theory of serendipity: a systematic review and conceptualization," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 122704, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
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