Who would have thought: A forward-looking approach on sensemaking theory

Abstract

In this paper, we add to our understanding of forward-looking strategy and explore how an organization makes sense of what to do when everything that was known no longer makes sense. We contribute to theory of future-oriented sensemaking as it relates to an organization’s reactions to an environmental jolt. We propose three unique potential reactions to environmental – stagnant, survivalist entrepreneurship, and transformational innovation, and how each influence the organization’s performance. Future research is discussed.