The Concept of Effectuality in Strategic Management: Culture and Art Institutions

Abstract

In the context of increasing complexity and uncertainty, traditional planning strategies are losing significance and organisations are increasingly seeking flexible substitutes. Effectuation, perceived as a logic of action based on available resources, real-time responsiveness, experimentation, co-creation with partners and the active shaping of the future, represents an alternative to causal approaches in organisational management. It gains particular importance in organisations operating in turbulent environments such as culture and art institutions, where forecasting and long-term planning often prove insufficient, inadequate or impossible. As the literature indicates, the concept of effectuation is not merely a substitute but rather a complementary logic, enabling the creative use of constraints and adaptive actions. This article presents the effectual concept as a potential conceptual framework for explaining modes of action and decision-making in the conditions of uncertainty and it outlines directions for further research on the application of effectuation in strategic management and in building advantage through the creative use of uncertainty and generation of opportunities in culture and art institutions.