Could Cognitive Flexibility Influence Strategic Behavior?

Patterns of strategic behavior express strategic choices. Analysis, in a variety of forms, leads to a span of strategic choices and consequent analysis leads to an expression of a choice. Quality of the ultimate strategy depends on the scope, scale and depth of the analysis as much as the selection process. Both processes i.e. the analysis and the selection process could constitute a murky whole penetrated, only, by a measure of sharp cognition. Not static cognition but dynamic or flexible cognition.

The following article identifies the contours of flexible cognitive analysis as well as the possible impact of flexible cognitive analysis on the process of creation of a strategy formulation “boundary”. Alternative strategic behavior patterns are, then, derived.

The article addresses a novel issue seldom or may be never addressed in management, psychology or neurology literature before i. e. the relationship between cognition and strategic thinking. It creates a bridge between three distinct sciences: strategy, psychology and neurology. The neurology and psychology element explores the cognitive roles and functions of specific elements of the human brain. It resorts to essential neurology terms and relevant cognitive and plasticity frameworks. The strategy component relates cognitive functions to patterns of strategic behaviour."

The article is eclectic. The three foundation disciplines i.e. neurology, psychology and strategy are explored in search of a conceptual framework that relates all three elements. Premises of certain dimensions of brain studies within neurology are related to premises of psychology and both are related to elements of strategic management.

It is the author’s contention that flexible cognition could enhance strategic thinking through four modes. First there is generic plasticity. Second is visionary competencies. Third is synaptic plasticity. Fourth and possibly most significant, is insight. Flexible cognition could especially induce longer term strategic insights or the ability to evaluate thoughts and beliefs and derive penetrative distant outlooks.