Bound by the past? Experience-based effects on commitment to the strategic status quo

Abstract

This study extends research into the determinants of executive commitment to the strategic status quo (CSQ) by examining the effects of functional and educational experience. Regression analyses conducted on the survey responses of 1385 executives representing 20 different nationalities reveal that experience in the traditionally dominant career tracks of finance, marketing, law, and general management is positively related to CSQ. Results further suggest that while functional diversity is negatively related to commitment to extant policies, graduate (MBA) education is unrelated to CSQ and does not significantly attenuate the narrowing effects of functional specialization. Implications for executive leadership, management development, and strategic adaptation are discussed.