Mediating Role of Strategic Flexibility Between Leadership Styles on Strategic Execution: A Study on Bangladeshi Private Enterprises

Abstract

The purpose of the paper is to understand the role of strategic flexibility in mediating between leadership and strategy execution among private enterprises in Bangladesh which have a great deal to do with economic development in Bangladesh. To ensure the rigor of this research, this research adopts a multi-case research method. The research investigated 15 cases, including 10 industries. The research cases involve basic materials (iron & steel), consumer goods (food, recreational), education (school, college, university), energy (LPG), health (hospital), industrials (business support, electronics), technology (equipment, software), textile (garments), tourism (hotel) and transport (roads & highways). The content of the interview was coded and scored on a 7-point Likert scale based on theoretical concepts extracted from the literature review. According to the first stages of interviews with top management of seven private enterprises, all interviewed respondents believe that their leadership styles are not homogeneous and exert a certain influence on both strategic flexibility and strategy execution. The interviewees, however, hold a variety of viewpoints with strategic flexibility throughout the process.