Figure 3
The conceptual framework shows three main sections arranged horizontally, with additional external and internal environment boxes above and below. On the far left, a text box labeled “Collaboration and Engagement” connects with a rightward arrow to a large central box labeled “Mechanisms”, which contains a vertically arranged bulleted list of mechanisms including “Interpretive flexibility”, “Vague language”, “Symbolic language”, “Broad, inclusive terms”, “Delegation tool”, “Role fluidity”, “Adaptive leadership”, “Non-standardized communication”, “Temporary consensus”, “Deliberate non-formalization”, “Negotiated interpretations”, “Balancing divergence and convergence”, “Symbolic framing”, and “Iterative negotiation”. A rightward arrow emerges from the “Mechanisms” box and points to another large box on the right labeled “Outcomes”, which contains two vertically separated bullet lists. The first list is titled “Short term” and includes “Enhanced inclusivity”, “Increased stakeholder engagement”, “Adaptive response to change”, “Creativity and innovation”, and “Temporary consensus”. The second list is titled “Long term” and includes “Mistrust”, “Misalignment”, “Fragmentation”, “Inconsistent actions”, “Psychological stress and decision paralysis”, “Internal misalignment”, and “Reduced long-term strategic coherence”. Above these boxes, a large dashed rectangular box labeled “External environment” contains a bulleted list that includes “Stakeholder diversity (plus sign)”, “Regulatory context (flexibility-oriented: plus sign; transparency-focused: minus sign)”, “Cultural context (innovation-driven: plus sign; compliance-focused: minus sign)”, “Media coverage and business press (positive framing: plus sign; negative framing: minus sign)”, “External performance pressures (low pressure: plus sign; high pressure: minus sign)”, and “Environmental uncertainty (low uncertainty: plus sign; high uncertainty: minus sign)”. A downward arrow from the external environment connects to the arrow connecting the “Mechanisms” box to the “Outcomes” box. Below the main structure, a large dashed rectangular box labeled “Internal environment” contains a bulleted list that includes “Leadership style (inclusive, consultative: plus sign; authoritarian: minus sign)”, “Organizational culture (flexibility: plus sign; formalization: minus sign)”, “Power dynamics (balanced: plus sign; power imbalances: minus sign)”, “Organizational structure (decentralized: plus sign; centralized or high oversight: minus sign)”, “Temporal dynamics (early stages: plus sign; prolonged use: minus sign)”, and “Level of management oversight (low oversight: plus sign; high oversight: minus sign)”. An upward arrow from the internal environment connects to the arrow connecting the “Mechanisms” box to the “Outcomes” box.Strategic ambiguity aimed at collaboration and engagement