The application of DICTION to content analysis research in strategic management

DICTION is a computer-aided content analysis program grounded in a number of theoretical bases in linguistic research. DICTION has a number of attractive features that could be used to analyze unique elements of language in narrative texts germane to strategic management research. The authors apply the DICTION software to a sample of mission statements from 408 Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business colleges of business with a focus on gaining insights concerning how DICTION can be used in strategic management research utilizing content analysis. They find significant differences in word usage in mission statements based on organizational characteristics, including business school performance. They conclude with suggestions for future research.