Attribution Theory and Strategic Decisions on Organizational Success Factors

This study examines the pattern of attributions of managers in business organizations as they relate to strategic decisions on critical success factors including personnel, market leadership and customers’ loyalty. A survey of 60 managers was conducted in Lagos, Nigeria and some psychological measures were administered to them. The results show that managers attribute strategic decisions on personnel, market leadership and customers’ loyalty to effort, ability and nature of the task. Managers with personality traits of extraversion and conscientiousness show similar pattern of finding. The study concludes that inter causes of attributions principally serve as basis for strategic decision making. The implications of the study are also discussed.