An Association between Health and Strategic Thinking in Managers

Background and Aim: Strategic thinking is necessary for managers to create an innovative organization and to improve employees’ performance at work. Managers’ strategic thinking and mental processes are more important when critical situations occurred. Then the main aim of this study is to describe an association between mental health and strategic thinking in managers.Methods: The research was a descriptive study. Samples study were the mangers that work in a private complex in Isfahan, IRAN. All of the 90 managers were included to research but 8o questioner were fill completed and returned. Data were collected by the three questionnaires. Demographic characteristics were collected by a researcher made questionnaire. The standard questionnaire of strategic thinking that has validated in Iran in 1391was used. Also general health questionnaire (GHQ28) that developed by Goldberg and Hillier were used for health assessment. Questionnaires were valid. The reliability of the questionnaires was based on Croanbach’s alpha, respectively 0.714 and 0.815. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics by SPSS/18 software. Pearson correlation, T test, and regression analysis were used. Ethical considerations were observed too.Results: The result show an association between general health and strategic thinking by a factor of 0.319 and a significant level of 0.004. Management experience have significant relationship with general health. Work experience, management experience, gender (male) and levels of management have significant relationship with strategic thinking.Conclusion: The path from strategic thinking to effective performance needs to mental health and high attention in managers.

Keywords:

Strategic thinking , Management , General health