ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to test the relationships between two variables identified as possible determinants of scanning behavior and the variance in scanning behaviors associated with a specific strategic issue. Several variables have been examined by researchers in searching for determinants of scanning behavior. The book examines environmental uncertainty, utilizing Milliken's conceptualization of environmental uncertainty, and the strategist's interpretation of specific environmental conditions or events as possible determinants of data gathering behavior. It also examines scanning activities initiated in the response formulation stage of the decision-making process, response uncertainty is included as one of the possible determinants of scanning activities. The book discusses operationalization of the dependent and independent variables and provides details on data collection and analysis. It focuses on the data gathering activities that occur after a strategic issue is identified and interpreted.
