Abstract:
This research work seeks to answer the question, if the socio
demographic characteristics and foresight of upper echelons influence their
strategic choices in a specific sector, which ultimately affects the organizational
performance. The research endeavor follows the chosen strategic decision in
terms of forward integration in the textiles sector of Pakistan. It’s a mono
method quantitative study. The research work entails empirical analysis through
a co-relational design approach. Fundamentally, it is an explanatory research by
its nature, which encompasses development of hypotheses and their testing for
acceptance or rejection. Based on cross sectional survey, the primary data
refers to time duration between the years 2015-2016. Taking into account the
total 156 listed textile mills of Pakistan; the sample size was taken as 306 which
consisted of CEO, CFO and MDs. The survey was carried out in three phases
which included diagnostic survey, pilot testing and the final survey. Analysis of
the data depicted statistically significant results; which revealed that all the
proposed predictors except for ‘experience’ contribute towards the outcome
variable; ‘organization performance’ or ‘strategic decision making’ that is acting
as a mediating variable. Moreover, the results proved mediation effect of
strategic decision making between managerial foresight and organizational
performance. In the complex, challenging, ever-changing business environment
and the unique composition of family businesses within the textile industry, the
foresight of upper echelons pertaining to strategic decision-making process
came out as predominant factor in determining organizational performance
