Prospect theory, behavioral theory, and the threat-rigidity thesis: Combinative effects on organizational decisions to divest formerly acquired units

By complementing prospect theory with organization-level behavioral theory and the threat-rigidity thesis, I study how factors unique to an organizational level can interact with the individual-level tendencies predicted by prospect theory. I tested this approach by examining organizational decisions to divest or retain formerly acquired units in a longitudinal setting. The results show that divestiture decisions are influenced by both individual- and organization- level factors that cannot be explained solely by one theory and provide a richer understanding of organizational risk-seeking behaviors. Copyright of the Academy of Management, all rights reserved.