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Strategy, strategists and fantasy: a dialogic constructionist perspective

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  • Robert MacIntosh
  • Nic Beech

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to contribute a constructionist perspective to debates in the strategy literature about the ways in which managers conduct strategy work. The authors build on observations that fantasy plays a central role in strategy work and aim to focus on the ways in which fantasies of self and other operate in the identity work of participants in the process of developing strategy. Design/methodology/approach - The study presents an inductive approach based on extended participant observation in two different organizations. Each engagement lasted about three years and the analysis is based on data gathered in meetings, workshops, focus groups, interviews and other informal settings. Findings - The paper presents four different types of fantasy, which were observed in the data set. These fantasies are labeled: helpful pairing; the arms race; the eternal optimist and the merchant of doom. It is also suggested that there are three useful dimensions that might be used to unpack the ways in which fantasies operate. These are role playing and role taking; temporal place and associated value; the relationship between fantasy and evidence. Research limitations/implications - The authors propose that future research on strategy should entail an understanding of the role of fantasy in what people say and do. Originality/value - The paper offers four types of fantasy construction as a contribution to the extant literature and three analytical dimensions which can be used to consider the ways in which fantasy operates in the identity work of strategists.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert MacIntosh & Nic Beech, 2011. "Strategy, strategists and fantasy: a dialogic constructionist perspective," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 24(1), pages 15-37, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:eme:aaajpp:v:24:y:2011:i:1:p:15-37
    DOI: 10.1108/09513571111098045
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paula Jarzabkowski, 2003. "Strategic Practices: An Activity Theory Perspective on Continuity and Change," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(1), pages 23-55, January.
    2. Thomas Carrington & Gustav Johed, 2007. "The construction of top management as a good steward," Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 20(5), pages 702-728, September.
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    4. Mark Marotto & Johan Roos & Bart Victor, 2007. "Collective Virtuosity in Organizations: A Study of Peak Performance in an Orchestra," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(3), pages 388-413, May.
    5. Robert MacIntosh & Donald MacLean & Harry Burns, 2007. "Health in Organization: Towards a Process‐Based View," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 44(2), pages 206-221, March.
    6. Henry Mintzberg, 1990. "The design school: Reconsidering the basic premises of strategic management," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 11(3), pages 171-195, March.
    7. Paula Jarzabkowski & Julia Balogun, 2009. "The Practice and Process of Delivering Integration through Strategic Planning," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(8), pages 1255-1288, December.
    8. Michael Jensen & Edward J. Zajac, 2004. "Corporate elites and corporate strategy: how demographic preferences and structural position shape the scope of the firm," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 25(6), pages 507-524, June.
    9. Mats Alvesson & Hugh Willmott, 2002. "Identity Regulation as Organizational Control: Producing the Appropriate Individual," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 39(5), pages 619-644, July.
    10. Dalvir Samra‐Fredericks, 2003. "Strategizing as Lived Experience and Strategists’ Everyday Efforts to Shape Strategic Direction," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(1), pages 141-174, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Butler, Nick, 2018. "Fantasies of strategy: Žižek, discourse and enjoyment," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 79-88.

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