Melbourne Accounting Research Seminar - Rachael Lewis

Rachael Lewis from the University of New South Wales will present a MARS seminar.

Topic: Translating Strategy Using a Balanced Scorecard: A Mental Models Approach

Abstract: The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is used to translate strategy into actionable objectives that managers can comprehend and implement. While it is generally assumed that managers will internalise BSC information within their understandings of organisational  strategy, few studies have examined this correspondence directly. This study investigates how and why managers incorporate the strategic objectives of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) within their strategic mental models. Using a cognitive mapping technique embedded within a qualitative field study, we investigate the strategic alignment between a case organisation’s BSC and its managers’ strategic mental models. We find that the strategic alignment of managers’ mental models varies substantially across the organisation and clusters into four distinct types – convergent, specialised, generalised, and divergent. These types of strategic alignment appear related to managers’ hierarchical level, functional role, and BSC use.

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