An investigating of the relationship between strategic thinking and performance (ROA)

This study is an attempt to answer two fundamental questions: first, Is there any relationship between strategic thinking and performance as an indication of organizational success? Second, how and to what extent organization learning mediates this likely relationship?. For this purpose, a conceptual model for strategic thinking was introduced based on literature review. Performance data(ROA) from a total number of 14 corporations registered in Mashhad Stock Exchange was utilized as performance indicator. A designed questionnaire to measure strategic thinking was provided to chief executive officers. Another questionnaire that had been used widely to measure organizational learning in previous studies, was given to the middle managers of the same organizations. Validity and reliability of both instruments were confirmed by using appropriate methods. The results showed a direct relationship between strategic thinking and performance. However, according to the findings of this research, organizational learning did not prove to mediate this relationship.