Journal of Improvement Management

Journal of Improvement Management

Identify the Causal Factors, Strategies, and Consequences of Strategic Awareness in the Petrochemical Industry

Document Type : Research Article (Original Article)

Authors
Maryam Nekooeezadeh 1
Emad Golmohammadi 2
Nina Shaddeli 3
Miaad Golmohammadi 4
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Faculty of Economics, Management and Social Sciences, Shiraz University, Iran
2 Center of Ilam 1 University of Applied Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
3 Researcher, Sharif Policy Research Institute, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
4 MSc. Industrial Management, Bakhtar University, Ilam, Iran
10.22034/jmi.2026.564329.3266
Abstract
Contemporary organizations operate in complex and uncertain environments that challenge their survival and competitiveness. This situation is more acute for Iran’s petrochemical industry, which faces technological, environmental, and geopolitical challenges. In such complex conditions, companies active in this industry must understand environmental transformations in a timely manner and demonstrate intelligent responses through strategic awareness. This research, employing a qualitative method and exploratory approach, seeks to identify the causal factors, strategies, and consequences of strategic awareness in the petrochemical industry. The statistical population comprises petrochemical companies operating in Iran. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with nine senior and middle managers using snowball sampling. Data analysis was conducted following the Strauss and Corbin methodology. Findings indicate that causal factors include fundamental macro-environmental challenges and operational-competitive challenges. Three strategies identified for achieving strategic awareness are: Systematic Strategic Intelligence Enhancement, Strategic Knowledge and Analytical Capability Development, and Adaptive-Technological Capability Building. The consequences of this awareness encompass strategic empowerment, creation of economic-operational value, and attainment of sustainable competitive advantage. The results of this study assist petrochemical industry managers in making effective strategic decisions under complex environmental conditions by designing intelligent systems, analytical frameworks, and innovative mechanisms.
Keywords
"Awareness
Petrochemical Industry
Strategic Awareness
Systematic Strategic Intelligence Enhancement"
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  • Receive Date 05 December 2025
  • Revise Date 23 July 2026
  • Accept Date 27 July 2026