Equifinality: Functional equivalence in organization design

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Gresov, C; Drazin, R
• 刊物名称: ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT REVIEW
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0363-7425
• DOI: 10.2307/259328
• 发表日期: 1997
• 页码: 403-428
• 关键词: CONTINGENCY APPROACH; STRATEGIC CHOICE; fit; performance; environment; MODEL; DETERMINISM; reappraisal; managerial

摘要

Theorists have often acknowledged the importance of equifinality in organization design, and, in recent years, several studies have demonstrated the concept empirically. This article exposes the assumptions regarding function and structure that underlie contingency theory and develops ct functional equivalence view of design. By examining the degree of conflict in functional demands together with the latitude of structural options available, we reveal and describe three different types of equifinality: suboptimal, tradeoff, and configurational. The functional equivalence approach implies a different agenda and emphasis for research on structure and design and has normative implications for how managers should design to achieve performance.