The Experts below are selected from a list of 318 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Jonas Ridderstrale - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Knowledge as a Contingency Variable: Do the Characteristics of Knowledge Predict Organization Structure?
Organization Science, 2003Co-Authors: Julian Birkinshaw, Robert Nobel, Jonas RidderstraleAbstract:This paper examines the validity of knowledge as a contingency variable. Building on recent advances in thinking about the dimensions of knowledge assets (Winter 1987. Zander and Kogut 1995). we argue that such dimensions might have an Important influence on Organization Structure. More specifically, we focus on two dimensions of knowledge-observability and system embeddedness-and their influence over the level of unit autonomy and interunit integration in an international network of R&D units. Statistical analysis of questionnaire responses from 110 R&D unit managers show strong association between the dimensions of knowledge and Organization Structure. It also indicates partial support for the "fit" hypothesis in contingency theory. The paper makes two important contributions to the knowledge management literature. First. we find support for the contingency logic. suggesting that effective Organization design has to take into account the underlying characteristics of the firm's knowledge base. Second, we shed light on a relatively neglected dimension of knowledge that we call system embeddedness. This is the extent to which knowledge is a function of the social and physical system in which it exists. In the statistical analysis it emerges as a strong predictor of Organization Structure. Moreover, it also appears to be conceptually distinct from the tacit-articulate dimension that is normally emphasized, This allows us to speculate on four generic forms that a firm's knowledge might take. that we label integrated. isolated. opaque. and transparent. These are discussed using example,, from the data.
Jiawen Shen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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An Empirical Analysis on Industrial Organization Structure of Chinese Software Service Outsourcing
Journal of Service Science and Management, 2010Co-Authors: Jiawen ShenAbstract:The global service outsourcing industry has developed rapidly; but how about the software service outsourcing industry in China? Employing the combination research methodologies of field survey, literature research and analysis of the collected data from the survey questionnaire using the SPSS statistic software and its relativity tests, this empirical study analyzed the market Structure and performance of Beijing software service outsourcing industry. Based on the SCP paradigm of the industrial Organization theory, the conclusion revealed that the market concentration of Beijing software service outsourcing industry was on the low level. The industry possesses the characteristics of low risk, low profit and low product differentiation. There is an apparent trend that increasing profit occurs to the large scale service Organizations. Low level price competition dominates the industry at present. The market performance of the industry is therefore low, resulting in the low average profit to most service companies; but the average ratal of these firms is on an upward trend year after year
Julian Birkinshaw - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Knowledge as a Contingency Variable: Do the Characteristics of Knowledge Predict Organization Structure?
Organization Science, 2003Co-Authors: Julian Birkinshaw, Robert Nobel, Jonas RidderstraleAbstract:This paper examines the validity of knowledge as a contingency variable. Building on recent advances in thinking about the dimensions of knowledge assets (Winter 1987. Zander and Kogut 1995). we argue that such dimensions might have an Important influence on Organization Structure. More specifically, we focus on two dimensions of knowledge-observability and system embeddedness-and their influence over the level of unit autonomy and interunit integration in an international network of R&D units. Statistical analysis of questionnaire responses from 110 R&D unit managers show strong association between the dimensions of knowledge and Organization Structure. It also indicates partial support for the "fit" hypothesis in contingency theory. The paper makes two important contributions to the knowledge management literature. First. we find support for the contingency logic. suggesting that effective Organization design has to take into account the underlying characteristics of the firm's knowledge base. Second, we shed light on a relatively neglected dimension of knowledge that we call system embeddedness. This is the extent to which knowledge is a function of the social and physical system in which it exists. In the statistical analysis it emerges as a strong predictor of Organization Structure. Moreover, it also appears to be conceptually distinct from the tacit-articulate dimension that is normally emphasized, This allows us to speculate on four generic forms that a firm's knowledge might take. that we label integrated. isolated. opaque. and transparent. These are discussed using example,, from the data.
Gerald I Susman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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advanced manufacturing technology and Organization Structure empowerment or subordination
Organization Science, 1992Co-Authors: James W Dean, Se Joon Yoon, Gerald I SusmanAbstract:Advanced manufacturing technology AMT includes such technologies as computer-aided design CAD and manufacturing CAM, as well as computer-integrated manufacturing CIM. Numerous case studies have found that Organization Structure e.g., centralization of decision making changes when firms introduce AMT, but the findings from such studies have been inconsistent. This paper reports the findings of a large-sample study of the relationship between AMT and Organization Structure. Two alternative patterns in the relationship between these two concepts were considered. The Marxist perspective, which holds that automation is used by managers as a tool to subordinate the workforce, leads to predictions that AMT will be associated with increasing differentiation more hierarchical levels and job classifications, centralized decision making, and high levels of formalization management by rules. The Idealist perspective, which involves the belief that managers should use new technologies to empower the workforce, leads to predictions that AMT will be associated with less differentiation, decentralized decision making, and limited formalization. The study was conducted using questionnaires, which were returned by general managers from 185 firms in the metalworking industries SIC codes 33-37. The findings provide some support for both perspectives, as AMT was associated with both decentralization of decision making and formalization. We interpret these results as stemming from the characteristics of AMT, particularly integration, flexibility, and risk. Seen in this light, Organizations have less need to centralize decisions, as AMT's capacity for integration allows information to be brought together at lower levels of the firm, and its flexibility allows departments to more easily adapt to decisions made by other departments. The risk and expense associated with AMT, however, may lead firms to institutionalize those practices associated with effective use of the technology through formal rules. In other words, formalization may be a mechanism for safely decentralizing. In general, researchers are urged to strike a balance between focusing on the intentions of management and the constraints of the technology when they study technology and Organization.
Dezhi Chen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The impact of new product & operations technological practices on Organization Structure
International Journal of Production Economics, 2013Co-Authors: Edward Aihua Fang, Chaowei Miao, Jiansheng Xia, Dezhi ChenAbstract:This study chooses two product technological elements (customized design and modular design) and two operations technological elements (process automation and process flexibility) from among a number of best practices to study their impact on Organization Structure, including centralization, specialization, formalization, managerial level and span of control. The aim is to understand more about the interaction between new technology practices (as mass customization enablers) and Organization Structure, and how culture affects them.