Enhancing the ability to think strategically: A learning model

Abstract

The ability to think strategically is critical for managers at multiple organizational levels, yet we know little about how this ability develops in individuals. Drawing on literature in strategy, cognitive science and adult learning, we propose a model of learning to think strategically that follows the ‘learning school’ of strategy making (Mintzberg et al., 1998). The model depicts a dynamic, interactive, and iterative experiential learning process. It identifies individual factors, work experiences and organizational factors that contribute knowledge and act together to develop the ability to think strategically. Areas for research are suggested to better understand the learning process.