The impact of individual and team mental models on strategic thinking in organisations

Abstract

In an environment characterised by competition, change and uncertainty, strategy making is seen as central to creating and sustaining competitive advantage. Strategic thinking is described as antecedent to conventional strategic planning. Strategic thinking involves creative thinking in terms of setting the direction of the organisation and creating strategic options. It is argued in this paper that this important process can not be limited to decision making established only at the top management level; organisational members on all levels of the organisation should be incorporated in the strategic thinking process. However, individual thinking, as well as team thinking are affected by mental models. The impact of mental models on strategic thinking is considered. To demonstrate the interrelatedness between individual and team mental models, strategic thinking and strategic planning, a model for strategy making is proposed.