Abstract：According to the literature related to the upper echelon theory in CNKI and Web of Science, this study first traces the origin of the upper echelons theory and finds that the relevant researches show the evolution characteristics of “demographic characteristics of executives and organizational performance-heterogeneity of executive teams and strategic transformation-executive team behavioral integration processes and organizational innovation. Secondly, the research topics related to upper echelons theory are sorted out. A cognitive source logic transfer model is summarized from the perspective of “Individual-Team-Organization” along the horizontal dimension, centered on the personal characteristics of executives, team characteristics of executives, and organizational outcomes. Furthermore, a “Cognition-Process-Outcome” behavior process transfer model is proposed along the vertical dimension, focusing on executive team cognition, executive team processes, organizational behaviors, and performance. In addition, this study also sorts out the forces of the external environment between organizational levels and then constructs the theoretical framework of the top management team; Finally, from the aspects of integrating upper echelons theory with more fields and theories, the path of modern enterprise capacity reconstruction, and the management strategy of top management teams in the context of emerging management innovation, this study elaborates on future research prospects, aiming to promote the further development of upper echelons theoretical research and top management team practice.
