| Author: | Astley, W. G. Zajac, E. J. |
| Title: | Beyond dyadic exchange: functional interdependence and sub-unit power |
| Journal: | Organization Studies
1990 : VOL. 11:4, p. 481-501 |
| Index terms: | ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY INTERDEPENDENCY POWER |
| Language: | eng |
| Abstract: | The relevance of exchange theory in explaining the power of organizational sub-units is critically examined. Arguments are presented that sub-unit power is generated not by the balance of exchange dependencies between sub-units, but by workflow interdependencies created by the organization's division of labour. The findings of a study support the arguments. The following conclusion is drawn: dyadic power relationships between organizational sub-units can only be fully understood in terms of their location in organization-wide systems of functional interdependence. The implications for future research are summarized. It might involve the examination of functional centrality and non-directional interdependence. |
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