Managing exploration in organizations: The effect of superior monitoring on subordinate search behavior

Author(s)

Valentina Richter, Robert Janjic, Helge Klapper, Steffen Keck, Markus Georg Reitzig

Abstract

In this article, we explore the effects of managerial monitoring on the behavior of subordinates tasked with the search for alternatives in a complex environment. We argue that managerial monitoring will lead subordinates to exhibit more search than they would engage in otherwise as they try to impress their superiors by exerting more effort. We test and confirm our hypothesis in four laboratory studies with a total of 444 participants. Our findings show that search distance and duration are highly susceptible to managerial monitoring, whereas similar interventions from peers and subordinates are ineffective.

Organisation(s)

Department of Accounting, Innovation and Strategy

External organisation(s)

Purdue University

Journal

Strategic Management Journal

Volume

44

Pages

2226-2254

No. of pages

29

ISSN

0143-2095

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.3491

Publication date

2023

Peer reviewed

Yes

Austrian Fields of Science 2012

502045 Behavioural economics, 502052 Business administration

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Business and International Management, Strategy and Management

Portal url

https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/9586f363-bf19-40fe-bba2-a2ba03aac065