CLEANING UP THE BIG MUDDY: A META-ANALYTIC REVIEW OF THE DETERMINANTS OF ESCALATION OF COMMITMENT

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Sleesman, Dustin J.; Conlon, Donald E.; McNamara, Gerry; Miles, Jonathan E.
• 署名单位: Michigan State University; Michigan State University's Broad College of Business; University of Delaware
• 刊物名称: ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0001-4273
• DOI: 10.5465/amj.2010.0696
• 发表日期: 2012
• 页码: 541-562
• 关键词: RESOURCE-ALLOCATION DECISIONS; sunk costs; PROJECT COMPLETION; prospect-theory; DE-ESCALATION; EXIT DECISIONS; performance; RISK; BEHAVIOR; INFORMATION

摘要

The topic of escalation of commitment has intrigued the organizational sciences for over 35 years. A variety of theoretical explanations have been offered for why escalation occurs, and numerous constructs have been examined as antecedents of escalation behavior. However, little effort has been made to systematically investigate these various accounts. Using meta-analysis, we present a comprehensive overview of the many determinants found in the literature, an analysis of the power of different theoretical perspectives, and an examination of the relative efficacy of the various theories. Drawing on our findings, we offer advice to managers and guidance for future research directions.