A model of the perception gap between different actors

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to propose a model that describes and categorizes the perception gap between different persons and groups/stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the concept of mutual beliefs and a theory of expectation, a model of the perception gap between different actors is deductively constructed along with the formulation of model components. Several theoretical and practical implications of the model are presented. Using a case-study approach, the applicability and partial validity of the proposal is shown. Findings – The model provides a detailed description and categorization of the perception gap between different actors. A model-based method could describe and identify the different types of perception gap between different actors. Originality/value – This study contributes to the better understanding of inter- and intra-personal perception gap and provides a basis for future theoretical and empirical research about perception gap between different actors under various contexts.