Strategy training as management tool : evidence from two Chinese cutting-edge biotech companies

Abstract

This thesis investigates the role of strategy training as a management tool for effectively motivating scientists. We selected two Chinese cutting-edge technology firms and conducted strategy training including strategy calibration sessions and project management training for scientists in the firms respectively, and observed whether the productivity of scientists was improved after the training. The results show that strategy training significantly improved scientists' performance ratings. Strategy training improved the accuracy of scientists' perception of the company's strategy, increased scientists' identification with the company's strategic goals, and improved the allocation of scientists' time in project management, which shifted the scientists' work patterns in a more productive direction and contributed to the growth of the company as a whole without significantly increasing the cost of communication and management. The strength of this effect was related to the scientist's own role in the project and the nature of the project in which the scientist was working.