Strategic renewal influenced by the perception of gender issues and stakeholder pressure: a managerial cognition perspective Academic Article in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • Purpose: Research in managerial cognition has proved the influence of managerial perceptions in strategic renewal. Moreover, contingency theory argues that strategic renewal is an organisational reaction to perceived contingencies. Nevertheless, previous literature has rarely examined the interaction of these two theoretical approaches in the context of perceived gender issues. This paper explores how managers' perceptions of gender issues and stakeholder pressure, independently and in combination, influence organisations¿ strategic renewal. Design/methodology/approach: This study collected quantitative data through an online survey sent to managers in Sweden. The final sample consisted of 101 valid responses examined using linear regression analysis. This analysis consisted of three models. Two models examined the direct impact of perceptions of gender issues and stakeholder pressure on strategic renewal, while a third model investigated their interactive effect. Findings: The regression analysis showed a positive relationship between managers¿ perceptions of gender issues and strategic renewal. Moreover, stakeholder pressure experienced by managers was positively associated with strategic renewal, and the interaction between the perception of gender issues and strategic renewal did not significantly influence strategic renewal. Originality/value: The results provide at least three theoretical contributions, demonstrating the importance of managerial cognition in strategic renewal through the lens of perceived gender issues. Also, the results show that the interaction of perception of gender issues and stakeholder pressure does not automatically translate into strategic renewal, highlighting more complexity than generally assumed. Finally, our findings underscore the significance of perceived gender issues, even within a context widely regarded as advanced in gender equality, such as Sweden, thereby adding value and relevance to the research. © 2025, Emerald Publishing Limited.

publication date

  • February 17, 2025