The mediating role of the extensiveness of strategic planning on the relationship between slack resources and organizational performance

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the mediating role of the extensiveness of strategic planning on the relationship between slack resources and organizational performance. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses empirical data gathered from 102 usable replies from private and also public hospitals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Findings – The findings indicate the existence of a positive relationship between slack resources and organizational performance and show that the extensiveness of strategic planning plays a mediating role in this relationship. Research limitations/implications – The authors highlight the exploratory nature of the study considering its unusual setting, namely, the UAE’s health care sector. Practical implications – Several implications of the findings for managerial and policy practices in the UAE health care sector are discussed. Originality/value – This study contributes to the existing literature on management, health care, and developing countries by examining the role of the extensiveness of strategic planning in mediating the relationship between slack resources and organizational performance in the health care industry of a developing country.