An effectual approach to executing dynamic capabilities under unexpected uncertainty

This study investigates how business-to-business (B2B) firms navigate contexts of unexpected uncertainty. Building on the theories of effectuation and dynamic capabilities, the study develops a model that highlights how effectual decision-making logic is manifested in the activities B2B firms employ to sense and seize new oppor-tunities and threats and transform existing business operations. The qualitative data were collected in two phases (before and after the COVID-19 outbreak) and consisted of 24 interviews with 13 B2B firms. The findings demonstrate a strong reliance on managers' effectual decision-making in situations of unexpected uncertainty and provide a set of key activities that help managers to respond to such situations in a rapid and agile manner.

Automated summary

This study investigates how B2B firms navigate unexpected uncertainty and highlights the importance of managers' effectual decision-making and a set of key activities in such situations.