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Monzavi Tabrizi, B. (2019) Assessing the effects of Personal Characteristics on CEO/TMT Strategic Decision-making. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)]

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Abstract

Assessing the effects of Personal Characteristics on CEO/TMT Strategic Decision-making

by

Behzad Monzavi Tabrizi (4337255)

Year of Publication: 2019

A Dissertation presented in part consideration for the degree of Msc Management

Word Count: 14982

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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to build upon the existing literature built around Hambrick & Mason’s (1984) Upper Echelons Theory. This involves understanding just how personal characteristics can impact a CEO’s strategic decision making process. More specifically, this study aimed to understand if there was a link between certain characteristics and an individual’s affinity to risk taking behaviour. The chosen characteristics were all observable demographic traits; Age, Nationality; Birth Order; Level of Education; Work Experience and Sports Participation during the course of their studies. A two-part online survey was used with answers based upon a Walmart scenario, to classify individuals as either risky, or low risk in their decision making. The first part of the online survey revealed an extra piece of analysis due to the fact, overall individuals would much rather invest in R&D than an over-valued acquisition. In terms of personal characteristics, the results revealed a few interesting links which resulted in individuals being high risk. For example, those who were 18-24 and also those aged 45-54 were the greatest risk taking individuals in the sample. Moreover, contrary to Campbell et al.’s (2017) study, rather than the last-borns, this dissertation study found first borns were more likely to be risk taking individuals. In addition to birth-order effects this study also found that individuals with no siblings were considerably less risk taking than their counterparts. Further to this, those who worked in Healthcare demonstrated a greater affinity to risk taking than those who worked in Business & Finance, highlighting the notion of an individual’s functional background affecting their decision making. This study also found no difference at all between individuals from an Undergraduate background compared to those with a Masters with other Educational backgrounds being more risk taking. The analysis of the effect of Nationality found differences not just between Eastern and Western Cultures but, also within Western Culture itself with Lithuanians being 100% low risk in their behaviour. Ultimately, participation in sports also had a positive effect on risk-taking, especially in individuals who took part in team based sports such as Basketball. Beyond these results, this study also explored the limitations of UET experiments and further variables which can affect a CEO or TMT member’s risk taking, creating suggestions for future research in UET.

Item Type:	Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Depositing User:	Monzavi Tabrizi, Behzad
Date Deposited:	08 Dec 2022 15:59
Last Modified:	08 Dec 2022 15:59
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/58728

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