Inflexibility in organizational decision-making

Abstract

The main objective of this investigation is to validate a measurement model that identifies the dimensions of inflexibility in organizational decision-making. For this purpose a Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted to assess how well the measured variables represent the constructs, which according to several authors of the literature, have been identified as limitations to organizational decision-making. In this study they were classified in three dimensions: limitations on Strategic Management, limitations on Human Resource Management and limitations on Financial Management.

The analysis is based on data collected from 229 Mexican companies. The results show that the proposed model is a good measure of inflexibility in decision-making of these organizations. In addition, it was identified that the variable that best predicts the limitations in strategic management is the lack of clear objectives. Furthermore, it was found that the strongest predictor of limitations on human resources management is the presence of conflicts between employees; and regarding limitations on financial management, the best predictor is the falling profits of the organization. It is expected that this model will help organizations to identify and eliminate these limitations that constraint the organizational decision-making, facilitating their capability to adapt to the changing environment.

Keywords:

• inflexibility
• decision-making
• strategic management
• human resources management
• financial management
• measurement model

JEL Classification:

• M12
• M15

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Guillermo Carrasco

Guillermo CARRASCO is a Professor of Business Management at Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico City. He received his Ph.D. degree from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and his masteŕs degree from Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain. He has several papers published in national journals in the areas of strategic management, organizational learning, and organizational behaviour.

Adrianela Angeles

Adrianela ANGELES is a Professor of Finance and Business Management at Anahuac University in Mexico. She received his Ph.D. degree in Management Sciences from EGADE Business School, Tecnologico de Monterrey. Her primary research interests lie in organizational decision-making and strategic management in SMEs. She has several articles published in these areas.

Edmundo Marroquin-Tovar

Edmundo MARROQUIN-TOVAR is a Professor of Management at Universidad Panamericana, campus Mexico. He received his Ph.D. degree in Management Sciences from EGADE Business School, Tecnologico de Monterrey. Professor Marroquin-Tovar was Chair of the Information Systems Department at Universidad Panamericanás Business School. His main research interests include professional competencies and leadership styles in organizations. He has several papers and conference articles in these areas.