A factorial analysis of the managerial linear thinking model

Abstract

The paper outlines the factors of managerial linear thinking, by analysing data from a survey on 400 master students in Business and Economics. Managerial thinking is considered as a continuum between linear and non-linear thinking patterns. Starting from the distinction between linear and non-linear thinking patterns in managerial decisions, which explains the choice of the sample, we prove the pre-eminence of linear vs. non-linear thinking, in the considered population, and find out independent factors explaining this latent model, of linear thinking. The results and conclusions of the analysis signal which factors should normally occur in managerial thinking, as markers of the intrinsic linearity of some of the processes we come across.