Identification and Analysis of the Driving Forces in the Trend of Improving Economic Value Added to Develop Corporate Foresight

In this unstable business environment in Iran, the chance of success belongs to the companies which are able to identify, control and predict the trends and develop foresight based on them. This article seeks to identify and analyze intra-organizational driving forces that stimulated the uptrend economic value added (EVA) in Tehran Stock Exchange Companies, as the most important sectors in the Iranian economy. First, using qualitative methods, the driving forces were recognized and classified in accordance with the strategic model of “Porter’s Value Chain”. Then, using quantitative method and applying structural equations software “PLS”, the relationship between the identified driving forces and EVA growth trend, and the multiple relations of identified driving forces were investigated. Based on the data gathered from 24 companies from 2011 to 2015, findings revealed that the five driving forces, namely, the companies’ power regarding operations, administrative affairs, promotions, marketing, R&D, and IT, have a positive and significant correlation with EVA trend. In addition, the significant correlation between some driving forces was proved. The findings of this research lead us to concentrate on more effective and controllable driving forces and taking them into account in our foresight and the planning of predictive strategies.