Dataset for: Manifestation of Strategic Ignorance in Organizations: Evidence from Lithuania

Description

This study does not test a single directional hypothesis but is guided by the research question of whether strategic ignorance manifests as fragmented practices or as a coherent organizational configuration. Conceptually, the study examines whether theoretically distinct domains of strategic ignorance operate independently or converge into an empirically integrated structure within organizations. The dataset consists of 406 cross-sectional survey responses collected in December 2024 from employees working in Lithuanian organizations across diverse sectors. Data were gathered using an anonymous online questionnaire distributed via convenience and snowball sampling. The instrument includes 29 Likert-scale items (1–5) capturing five theoretically derived domains: information dissemination, individual behavior, organizational practices, accountability, and organizational culture. Socio-demographic variables (gender, age group, sector, organizational tenure, and managerial position) were also collected. The empirical results indicate exceptionally strong interrelations among the five domains. Exploratory factor analysis reveals a dominant single-factor structure accounting for 87.7% of total variance, suggesting that strategic ignorance operates as a highly integrated organizational pattern rather than as independent dimensions. Spearman correlations among domains range from 0.921 to 0.971 (p < 0.01). Cluster analysis identifies three intensity-based profiles (low, moderate, and high strategic ignorance), indicating that organizations differ primarily in the degree rather than the structural form of ignorance. Chi-square and regression analyses further show that organizational context, tenure, and hierarchical position are more strongly associated with strategic ignorance than individual demographic characteristics. The data can be interpreted as evidence that strategic ignorance functions as a systemic and contextually embedded organizational condition. The dataset allows researchers to examine multilevel interrelations among organizational practices, cultural norms, and managerial behaviors. It may be used for comparative studies, scale refinement, cross-national validation, or further investigation into the relationship between strategic ignorance and organizational outcomes.

Steps to reproduce

Data Collection and Reproducibility Description Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire designed to measure manifestations of strategic ignorance in organizations. The survey was administered in December 2024 via Google Forms. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. As no validated instrument for strategic ignorance existed, a 29-item questionnaire was developed based on prior literature. Items were grouped into five domains: information dissemination, individual behavior, organizational practices, accountability, and organizational culture. All items were positively formulated and measured using a five-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree). Higher scores indicate lower levels of strategic ignorance. Prior to full data collection, the questionnaire was pilot-tested with 15 respondents to assess clarity and structure. Minor revisions were implemented. The final version was distributed using convenience and snowball sampling through professional and social networks (e.g., LinkedIn and Facebook). The final dataset includes responses from 406 employees working in Lithuanian organizations across different sectors and hierarchical levels. Data were exported from Google Forms to Microsoft Excel for cleaning and coding. Categorical and ordinal variables (e.g., gender, age group, sector, organizational tenure, managerial position) were coded prior to analysis. Sector categories were aggregated to reduce sparsity. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics v29. Analytical procedures included: Descriptive statistics Reliability analysis (Cronbach’s alpha) Exploratory Factor Analysis (Principal Axis Factoring) Spearman correlation analysis K-means cluster analysis (2–5 cluster solutions tested; three-cluster solution retained) Chi-square tests of independence Multiple linear regression A composite index of strategic ignorance was computed by aggregating all 29 items into a single continuous variable. The dataset provided in this repository includes raw survey responses (anonymized), coded variables, and derived scale scores. The study can be replicated by administering the same 29-item instrument and applying equivalent statistical procedures in SPSS, R, Stata, or Python.

Institutions

• Vytautas Magnus University

  Kaunas, Kaunas

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