Developing a Model for the Evolution of Strategic Management in Organizations with Emphasis on the Role of Information Systems and Information Management: A Qualitative Grounded Theory Study

Ahmed Shihab  Ahmed; Mohammad Faryabi; Samad  Rahimi Aghdam; Alireza  Fazlzadeh

Authors

Ahmed Shihab Ahmed Phd student, Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6516-3037
Mohammad Faryabi Associate Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6516-3037
Samad Rahimi Aghdam Associate Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9103-3163
Alireza Fazlzadeh Associate Professor, Department of Accounting, Faculty of Economics and Management, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6243-489X

Keywords:

strategic management, information systems, information management, grounded theory

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a model for the evolution of strategic management in organizations, with emphasis on the role of information systems and information management. In terms of purpose, the study was applied, and in terms of its nature, it predominantly adopted a qualitative approach. Using grounded theory based on the Strauss and Corbin approach and conducting semi-structured interviews with experts in strategic management, information technology, and digital transformation in organizations located in Baghdad, purposive sampling was continued until theoretical saturation was reached, after which the conceptual model of the study was extracted. Based on the findings obtained from the coding procedures, the causal conditions comprised “organizational data infrastructure and information management,” “digital transformation and the transformation of strategic management,” and “leadership and the role of information technology in strategy.” The contextual conditions consisted of “data governance and information quality,” “data-driven culture and human resource empowerment,” and “information integration and organizational coordination.” The intervening conditions included “information technology challenges and barriers” and “organizational resistance to digital transformation.” Meanwhile, the core category of the study was identified as “the evolution of strategic management in organizations based on data-driven orientation and intelligentization.” Action strategies were extracted along three dimensions: “data analytics and artificial intelligence in strategy support,” “data-driven market analysis and customer understanding,” and “strategic agility and dynamism in the digital environment.” Ultimately, the final outcome of the model was identified as “data-driven innovation and competitive advantage.” The results indicated that establishing data infrastructures, strengthening information technology–based leadership, and developing a data-driven culture play decisive roles in the evolution of organizational strategic management. Furthermore, the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence and the enhancement of strategic agility can facilitate innovation and the achievement of sustainable competitive advantage in organizations.

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