The chief executive and aspects of change : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration in Agriculture at Massey University

Abstract

This research is directed to an analysis of certain change related variables, (e.g. competitive/innovative attitudes and postures), that are influential in determining a Chief Executives perception and choice of growth strategies available within his companies future. It attempts an analysis of the interaction on the change dimension of a management culture and its operating environment. For purposes of contrast this culture was in part defined by the levels of conservatism found in the Chief Executive personality. A national sample was drawn from among Chief Executives of the larger, (fifty employees plus), New Zealand Commercial enterprise. A measure was developed from the work and findings of a conservatism theorist, G. Wilson to sample sort for respondents who would fall within one of two groups at the extremes of a range of conservatism (Very Low/Very High). Significant relationships were identified that indicated determining influences by Executive personalities and attitudes on the growth and change futures of the organisations they managed; in turn this has re-emphasized the need to more fully recognize that the behavioural characteristics of the firm and its leadership are at least of equal significance with the structural in shaping-out organisational futures.