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| Author: | Nickerson, J. A. Zenger, T. R. |
| Title: | Being Efficiently Fickle: A Dynamic Theory of Organizational Choice |
| Journal: | Organization Science
2002 : SEP-OCT, VOL. 13:5, p. 547-566 |
| Index terms: | ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE CENTRALISATION DECENTRALISATION THEORIES CONTINGENCY THEORY LEADERSHIP |
| Language: | eng |
| Abstract: | A central proposition in organization theory is that discrete organizational forms are matched to environmental conditions, market strategies, or exchange conditions. This paper develops a contrary theoretical proposition. The authors argue that efficiency may dictate modulating between discrete governance modes (i.e., structural modulation) in response to a stable set of exchange conditions. If governance choices are discrete, as much of organization theory argues, then the consequent steady-state functionality delivered by these organizational forms is itself discrete. However, if the desired functionality lies in-between the steady-state functionality delivered by two discrete choices, then efficiency gains may be available by modulating between modes. |
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