City Research Online

Abstract

In this paper, we argue for an expanded view of problemistic search. Recent behavioral theory research suggests that individual search preferences influence problemistic search. We draw on this to challenge the view of problemistic search as a centrally directed organizational process that proceeds sequentially from local to distant search. We argue that search activities in organizations are heterogeneous – some individuals will first engage in local search while others may move directly to distant search. We propose that problemistic search at the macroorganizational level is therefore the result of a mix of local and distant search activities at the micro-level that shifts towards distant search in response to negative performance evaluation. We test this idea in a laboratory experiment using a repetitive task and performance feedback.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Banerjee, A. , Lampel, J. and Bhalla, A. (2019). Two Cheers For Diversity: An Experimental Study Of Micro-level Heterogeneity In Problemistic Search. Strategic Organization, 17(4), pp. 450-469. Copyright © 2019 The Author(s). doi: 10.1177/1476127018815467.
Publisher Keywords:	Performance reference points, problemistic search, lab experiment, behavioral theory
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
Departments:	Bayes Business School > Management
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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