# Attention Quality: From Quantity to Strategic Quality Perspective A qualitative approach redefining attention practices in management. - **Source:** [Journal of Management Studies](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14676486) - **Published:** 2026-07-16 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cce09954-2bd9-4d51-bf78-d634c8cb1b39 ## Paradigm Shift in Attention While traditional management views attention as a limited resource, the new approach considers it as a set of sociomaterial practices. This radical transformation is shaped by academic research and contemporary management developments. Focusing on quality rather than quantity of attention, this perspective redefines organizational behavior. ## Five Fundamental Attention Qualities Researchers identified five constitutive qualities of attention practices: sociality, discourse, embodiment, materiality, and historicity. These qualities demonstrate that attention isn't a homogeneous resource but a multidimensional phenomenon shaped by context. Each quality influences organizational decision-making processes differently. ## Attention Through Practices The new approach conceptualizes attention not as an allocatable resource but as evolving practices. This perspective provides deeper understanding of how employees focus, process information, and shape decisions. Analyzing practices illuminates underlying dynamics of organizational behavior. ## Implications for Strategic Planning The qualitative attention approach has potential to revolutionize strategic planning processes. Leaders can make better decisions by understanding different attention qualities. This model particularly enhances organizational adaptability in uncertain environments. Strategic focus now involves not just what to attend to, but how to attend. ## Rereading Organizational Dynamics Attention's qualitative dimensions offer new perspectives on team dynamics and cross-department collaboration. Sociality and discourse qualities play crucial roles in understanding communication effectiveness. Materiality and embodiment inform workspace design. This multidimensional approach provides holistic solutions to organizational challenges. ## Future Leadership Skills Understanding attention quality is becoming a core 21st century leadership skill. This approach enables managers to shape and guide their teams' attention practices. In the age of digital distraction, qualitative focus becomes strategic advantage. Organizational success now directly relates to how attention resources are managed. ## Sources covering this story - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joms.70143?af=R — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._