Alignment of managers cognitive map and organizations strategy map: A case of university

Abstract

In this article, it is aimed to determine the characteristics of the cognitive maps of the academicians working in the institution with the strategic plan of the institution by conducting research in a higher education institution and to reveal the differences and similarities that occur as a result of their alignment. The strategic plan of the university was evaluated with the survey method in order to get a more dynamic and developed strategy map. Cognitive maps were carried out with the paper pencil technique application has been made with academic executives. Creating the cognitive maps of the managers and aligning them with the strategic plan of the institution would contribute to the development of new strategies. In the study the quantitative data results of the strategic plan analysed by the questionnaire and the cognitive maps of the managers obtained by using the paper and pencil technique were aligned with the qualitative data results. Within the scope of this research paper and pencil cognitive mapping technique was applied with 17 senior academic executives. A strategic plan evoluation survey was conducted with 227 academicians working at the university. It is aimed to contribute to the field of strategic management by comparing the values that emerged as a result of this study. In summary, the aim of the research is to support the idea that by using the quantitative evolution results of strategic plans and qualitative evolution results of individuals cognitive maps for the same goal make it possible to contribute to strategic development of organizations.