Decision making and leadership

Finland has expertise, technology and innovations, but these do not always translate into growth, new markets or international competitiveness. Often, the problem lies not in individual decisions but in operating environments that steer organisations towards efficiency, predictability and risk aversion rather than renewal.

We are interested in how decision-making environments shape the behaviour of leaders, boards and organisations. Our aim is to understand why even rational decisions can lead to excessive caution, slower growth and the optimisation of existing activities — and how this trajectory can be changed.

What does this theme investigate

This research theme examines decision-making at three levels:

1 Structures and incentives

• How do ownership structures, financial systems and innovation policy influence businesses’ growth and investment decisions?
• Do current systems steer organisations towards stability at the expense of renewal?

2 Leadership and board practices

• How do boards and management teams assess uncertainty and opportunities?
• What ways of thinking and working support growth and renewal?
• How do decision-making biases affect strategic choices?

3 AI and decision making

• How does AI change leadership and decision-making?
• Does AI reinforce existing operating models, or can it help identify new opportunities?
• How can AI be used to reshape decision-making environments?
  

The theme aims to develop new perspectives and practical tools that help organisations move from optimising efficiency towards long-term renewal and growth.

Research team

• Aki Koponen (University of Turku)
• Alex Nieminen (University of Turku)
• Anna Lundén (University of Turku)
• Jarno Tuominen (University of Turku)
• Pekka Stenholm (University of Turku)
• Pilvi Posio (University of Turku)

Current activities in this work package

• Developing research designs for studying decision-making environments
• Mapping the decision-making practices of boards, management teams and owners
• Investigating the effects of AI on strategic decision-making
• Recruiting partner organisations for research studies and pilots

We are looking to collaborate with businesses, owners, boards, management teams and public organisations that want to develop their decision-making and capacity for renewal. Get in touch! Collaboration can include taking part in interviews or surveys, workshops and co-development, as well as piloting new tools and operating models.