An Exploratory Examination Of The Knowledge Transfer Of Strategic Management Concepts From The Academic Environment To Practicing Managers

This exploratory study examines the relationship of knowledge transfers between academics and professional managers. A three-dimensional conceptual model is developed to examine the relationship. The model describes four sources managers use for acquiring knowledge, including experience, association, involvement, and direct education. Results suggest that managers learn academic concepts principally through experience, followed by association and involvement, in turn. Survey results also indicate that managers are familiar with, and find usefulness in, nine academic concepts used in the study. However, results show that for these nine academic concepts direct education was not a significant knowledge source for practitioners. These findings suggest the need to further evaluate the relationship and impact of academics to practicing managers.