In this ever-changing, complex, and crisis-enabling organizational environment, the role of management control sets itself as critical to ensure organization survival. But how can controllers step up to be active agents of change and influence decision-making in the midst of crises? This dissertation aims to tackle this question by micro-scoping skills and traits that are prominent in the literature as useful tools for controllers to influence decision-making. During thorough and reflective interviews with 6 controllers from three different industries and with varied experiences, their thoughts were confronted with literature to validate skills mentioned by several authors. Findings indicate a prominence of soft skills over technical prowess, with participants echoing the significance of assertive, composed, and transparent communication during crises. Effectively managing information asymmetry and demonstrating cognitive flexibility, emotional stability, charisma, and long-term focus emerged as crucial facets for influencing decision-making in crisis scenarios. Moreover, respondents favored the traditional business partner role, recognizing its ability to foster teamwork and problem-solving within management teams. The results advocate for a heightened emphasis on interpersonal skills during controller recruitment and internal training. Ultimately, leading to a controller, that during crises would manage to navigate the sea of uncertainty in collaboration with others, towards a clear and cohesive common goal.
Date of Award | 12 Jul 2024 |
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Original language | English |
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Awarding Institution | - Universidade Católica Portuguesa
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Supervisor | José Miguel Pereira dos Santos de Oliveira (Supervisor) |
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- Crises
- Decision-making
- Controllers
- Skills
A partner in crises: controller's skills influencing decision-making
Pinto, L. F. D. (Student). 12 Jul 2024
Student thesis: Master's Thesis