Authors: Dedefo Gemechu
Abstract: This systematic literature review (SLR) investigates the conceptual basis and practical applications of strategic management across different organizational contexts. The analysis included a total of 37 studies published between 2010 and 2024, focusing on the major theoretical frameworks, research methods, and research findings. The review presents the Resource-Based View (RBV) as the most widely used theory, emphasizing the idea of dynamic capabilities to achieve competitive advantage. Other highly regarded frameworks include Agency Theory, Game Theory, Institutional Theory, and Stakeholder Theory, which offer various perspectives to decision-making, resource allocation, and sustainability. Methodologically, the studies favored qualitative and mixed-method approaches because such phenomena are multi-dimensional in nature and require rich insights. Findings underscore competitive advantage, organizational performance, knowledge transfer, and strategic alignment. Manufacturing and public sectors received close attention, while underrepresented areas such as sustainability, innovation, and regions such as Asia and South America present opportunities for future research. While well-termed frameworks dominate much of the work, other under-used frameworks such as that of Social Capital and Complexity Theory would offer exciting new avenues. Regional and sectorial variations with regard to themes identified offer a further lens through which the diversity of the challenges and priorities of strategic management can be viewed in a contextual sense. This review finds that strategic management shapes adaptability, resilience, and sustainability; integrating theory with practice enables organizational success through effective operations, stakeholder alignment, and long-term advantages. Most importantly, the gaps in research involving innovation and sustainability suggest that research should combine interdisciplinary and regional approaches to make a meaningful contribution to the field. The results are practically relevant to both academic and managerial audiences in order to ensure that the themes of strategic management remain meaningful in this evolving world environment.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15798144
