Cognitive styles, user acceptance and commitment to strategic plans in public organizations: an empirical analysis. Issue 3 (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: George, Bert; Desmidt, Sebastian; Cools, Eva; Prinzie, Anita
• Is Part Of: Public management review. Volume 20:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 340
• Page End: 359
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Cognitive styles -- rational planning -- strategic planning -- user acceptance -- information-processing; Local government -- Periodicals; Public administration -- Periodicals; 351.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14719037.2017.1285112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-9037

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Given the lack of insights into the micro-determinants of strategic planning (SP) in public organizations, this study uses information-processing theory and self-efficacy theory to investigate individual-level predictors of commitment to strategic plans among planning team members (PTMs). Specifically, we investigate whether plan commitment is contingent upon the fit between PTMs' preferred way of information-processing (i.e. their cognitive style) and the information-processing characteristics underlying SP processes in public organizations. Based on data gathered with 439 PTMs from 203 Flemish municipalities, we find that PTMs with a creating and planning style are committed to strategic plans because they deem SP useful.