Management Control Systems, Performance and Uncertainty : A quantitative study on the role of MCS in uncertain contexts

Abstract: Background: Management Control Systems are shown to be valuable tools for managing different contexts and enhance organizational performance. To succeed with intended strategies, organizations must balance different levers of controls (LOC). The right balance is argued to be dependent on the external environment and contingent factors that surrounds the organization. To understand the role of MCS, one must explore different contexts. Hence, this paper broadens the knowledge about the role of MCS by studying the unexplored context of post-Covid-19. When facing uncertainty, MCS are claimed to be especially important for organizational performance – something that tested in this paper. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between MCS, organizational performance, and the external environment. Also, this paper tests if uncertainty has a moderating effect on these relationships. Method: This study is based within the positivistic paradigm and follows a deductive research approach. It addresses a quantitative methodology where data is gathered from 164 Swedish managers through a structured questionnaire. The empirical data is analysed using multiple linear regressions with- and without moderating effect. Conclusion: The results partly support the alleged positive relationship between the use of MCS and organizational performance. Three out of four LOC are found to be positive correlated with organizational performance. The study did not find support for the claim that uncertainty has a moderating effect on these relationships. This occurrence can be explained by the phenomenon of organizational learning.