Showing papers in "Academy of Management Review in 1992"
TL;DR: In this paper, a model of the determinants of self-efficacy is proposed that enhances understanding of both the complexity and malleability of the construct, and appropriate change strategies are highlighted.
Abstract: The construct of self-efficacy has received increasing empirical attention in the organizational behavior literature. People who think they can perform well on a task do better than those who think they will fail. Differences in self-efficacy are associated with bona fide differences in skill level; however, efficacy perceptions also may be influenced by differences in personality, motivation, and the task itself. This article reviews theoretically the antecedent processes and information cues involved in the formation of self-efficacy. A model of the determinants of self-efficacy is proposed that enhances understanding of both the complexity and malleability of the construct. Determinants that facilitate the most immediate change in self-efficacy are identified, and appropriate change strategies are highlighted. Implications and propositions pertaining to future research are discussed at the end of the article.
3,360 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors propose a model that reconciles these unresolved contradictions by examining the usefulness of placing risk propensity and risk perception in a more central role than has been previously recognized, and it is posited that risk propensity dominates both the actual and perceived characteristics of the situation as a determinant of risk behavior.
Abstract: Past research has resulted in contradictory findings concerning the effect of risk on decision-making behavior in organizations. This article proposes a model that reconciles these unresolved contradictions by examining the usefulness of placing risk propensity and risk perception in a more central role than has been previously recognized. Based on this analysis, it is posited that risk propensity dominates both the actual and perceived characteristics of the situation as a determinant of risk behavior. Propositions derived from the conceptual model provide an agenda for future research on individual risk behavior in organizational settings.
1,855 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose the notion of genres of organizational communication as a concept useful for studying communication as embedded in social process rather than as the result of isolated rational actions.
Abstract: Drawing on rhetorical theory and structuration, this article proposes genres of organizational communication as a concept useful for studying communication as embedded in social process rather than as the result of isolated rational actions. Genres (e.g. the memo, the proposal, and the meeting) are typified communicative actions characterized by similar substance and form and taken in response to recurrent situations. These genres evolve over time in reciprocal interaction between institutionalized practices and individual human actions. They are distinct from communication media, though media may play a role in genre form, and the introduction of new media may occasion genre evolution. After the genre concept is developed, the article shows how it addresses existing limitations in research on media, demonstrates its usefulness in an extended historical example, and draws implications for future research.
1,365 citations
TL;DR: This article reviewed evidence suggesting that escalation is determined, at least in part, by decision makers' unwillingness to admit that their prior allocation of resources to the chosen course of action was in vain (the self-justification explanation).
Abstract: Escalating commitment (or escalation) refers to the tendency for decision makers to persist with failing courses of action. The present article first reviews evidence suggesting that escalation is determined, at least in part, by decision makers' unwillingness to admit that their prior allocation of resources to the chosen course of action was in vain (the self-justification explanation). A distinction is drawn in the second part of the article between alternative (to self-justification) explanations of escalating commitment: Some are designed to replace self-justification, whereas others are intended to supplement self-justification, that is, to add explanatory power beyond that which can be accounted for by self-justification. There is little evidence that the replacement theories provide a better explanation than does self-justification; however, theories designed to supplement self-justification are likely to lead to a more complete explanation. The article concludes by describing several research str...
1,003 citations
TL;DR: An integrative framework consisting of five modes: command, symbolic, rational, transactive, and generative is offered, based on the varying roles top managers and organizational members play in the strategy-making process.
Abstract: Most prior literature on strategy making has focused on a limited set of themes (e.g., rationality) or actors (e.g., top managers). Resulting typologies have, therefore, tended to be incomplete or overlapping. None have captured the full range of content associated with the phenomenon. In response, this article offers an integrative framework consisting of five modes: command, symbolic, rational, transactive, and generative. The framework is based on the varying roles top managers and organizational members play in the strategy-making process. It goes beyond existing strategy process models by contrasting these roles and illustrating their interaction. Strategy making is viewed as an organizationwide phenomenon. Research propositions are also developed linking strategy-making processes to firm performance.
958 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the meaning of emancipation in management and organization studies is reconceptualized and an approach that takes into account recent criticism of its “totalizing” tendencies raised by post structuralists is developed.
Abstract: The article reconceptualizes the meaning of emancipation in management and organization studies and develops an approach that (a) takes into account recent criticism of its “totalizing” tendencies raised by post structuralists and (b) makes it more sensitive to the particularities of—and thereby more relevant for—management studies. The first part of the article reviews and discusses tendencies in critical theory toward negativism, essentialism, and intellectualism. The second part reformulates the grand enterprise of emancipation into a more modest project, scaled down in terms of scope and ambition. The third part discusses ways of advancing this protect in terms of listening, writing, and reading.
768 citations
TL;DR: A review of the book "Groups That Work (And Those That Don't) by Richard Hackman" can be found in this article, where the authors present a review of their book.
Abstract: This article presents a review of the book “Groups That Work (And Those That Don't),” by Richard Hackman.
684 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a poststructuralist feminist reading of Simon's construct, bounded rationality, is prevented in this paper by a deconstructive process, and bounded emotionality is introduced as an alternative organizing construct.
Abstract: A poststructuralist feminist reading of Herbert Simon's construct, bounded rationality, is prevented in this article. Following from this notion. It is maintained that even though bounded rationality provides a modified critique of “pure” rationality, this concept is grounded in male-centered assumptions that exclude alternative modes of organizing. Through a feminist deconstructive process, bounded emotionality is Introduced as an alternative organizing construct. The premises, conditions of organizing, and implications of this alternative are discussed and illustrated. Finally, theorists are urged to move beyond the traditional dichotomy between rationality and emotionality. In order to question the assumptions that underlie traditional constructs and to create new grounds for future theoretical activities.
657 citations
TL;DR: The Austrian emphasis on the market process and entrepreneurial discovery provides a framework for both strategy formulation and research as mentioned in this paper, despite their importance, change, uncertainty, and disequilibrium in the business environment.
Abstract: Although traditional industrial organization continues to serve as one of the conceptual foundations for strategic thinking and research, many of its premises have come under widespread criticism. Industrial organization largely ignores, despite their importance, change, uncertainty, and disequilibrium in the business environment. Because these fundamental characteristics are cornerstones of the Austrian School of Economics, this doctrine offers unique strategic perspectives. The Austrian emphasis on “the market process” and entrepreneurial discovery establishes a framework for both strategy formulation and research.
578 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the roles that organization design and culture play in varying levels of success experienced by AMT-adopting organizations, and several hypotheses are presented on the relationships among culture, structure, and implementation outcomes based on the competing values model of organizational culture.
Abstract: The literature on advanced manufacturing technologies (AMTs) shows that a wide range of outcomes have been experienced by organizations that have adopted these technologies, ranging from implementation failure to increased productivity and enhanced organizational flexibility. This article examines the roles that organization design and culture play in the varying levels of success experienced by AMT-adopting organizations. Several hypotheses are presented on the relationships among culture, structure, and implementation outcomes based on the competing values model of organizational culture.
573 citations
TL;DR: This article argued that the production of knowledge about race must be understood within a racial ideology embedded in a Eurocentric view of the world, and a re-vision of the very concept of race and its historical and political meaning is suggested for rewriting "race" as a necessary and productive analytical category for tpropheorizing about organizations.
Abstract: This article analyzes how race has been studied in organization scholarship and demonstrates how our approaches to the study at race reflect and reify particular historical and social meanings of race. It is argued that the production of knowledge about race must be understood within a racial ideology embedded in a Eurocentric view of the world. Finally, a “re-vision” of the very concept of race and its historical and political meaning is suggested for rewriting “race” as a necessary and productive analytical category for tpropheorizing about organizations.
TL;DR: An integrative cybernetic theory of stress, coping, and well-being in organizations is presented, deriving propositions from this theory, and discussing methodological issues in testing this theory are discussed.
Abstract: Many major theories of organizational stress (OS) reflect basic principles of cybernetics, most notably the negative feedback loop. However, these principles are rarely examined in empirical OS research, which focuses predominantly on simple relationships embedded in OS theories. This problem may reflect an implicit rejection of cybernetic principles on conceptual grounds, the absence of specific propositions regarding these principles, methodological difficulties, or some combination of these factors. In any case, the result is a gap between theoretical and empirical OS research, which severely hinders the accumulation of knowledge in this area. This article is intended to narrow this gap by presenting an integrative cybernetic theory of stress, coping, and well-being in organizations, deriving propositions from this theory, and discussing methodological issues in testing this theory.
TL;DR: In this paper, a framework for studying the effects of punishment on observers, other organizational members who take an interest in a particular punishment event, is presented, and its implications for management are discussed.
Abstract: Research on organizational punishment has focused on the effects of punishment on the disciplined subordinate. This article invokes a justice perspective to develop a framework for studying the effects of punishment on observers—other organizational members who take an interest in a particular punishment event. Research propositions are offered as a guide to future investigations, and implications for management are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss contemporary organizational classification in the context of empirical, theoretical, and evolutionary perspectives, and provide an overview of the conceptual and operational development of hierarchical taxonomies and the selection of organizational variables.
Abstract: Organizational typologies provide an effective data storage and retrieval system, as well as a means for theory development. However, existing typologies are typically limited, failing to meet broad standards. This article discusses contemporary organizational classification in the context of empirical, theoretical, and evolutionary perspectives. Consideration is given to the theoretical and numerical basis for grouping organizations, and an overview is provided of the conceptual and operational development of hierarchical taxonomies and the selection of organizational variables.
TL;DR: In this article, personal and situational variables that influence an individual's choice of comparative referent are examined, and the potential impact of these choices for organizations is explored, and Hypotheses detailing the effects of these personal variables on referent choice are presented.
Abstract: This review examines the personal and situational variables that influence an individual's choice of comparative referent. Earlier models (Goodman, 1974; Levine & Moreland, 1987) are considered, which predict referent choice based on the availability of referent information and the relevance of the referent. These models are then expanded to consider situational and personal variables that may influence availability and relevance. Hypotheses detailing the effects of these personal and situational variables on referent choice are presented, and the potential impact of these choices for organizations is explored.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that those who question the future and efficiency of Western organizations need to rely more on a radical-humanistic and neo-Marxist conceptualization than on the functionalistic tradition.
Abstract: The author argues that the present mainstream writings on, and debates about “new” ideas of management and theories of organization, lack adequate theoretical assumptions and background. He proposes that those who question the future and efficiency of Western organizations need to rely more on a radical-humanistic and neo-Marxist conceptualization than on the functionalistic tradition. Therefore, management theorists and practitioners should integrate such a concept in order to better understand how to transform the passive-obedient Taylorist employee into an active-cooperative one. To achieve a truly renewed form of management, researchers must adopt a global view of humankind, in order to give workers a significant measure of control over their own environments and working conditions.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors define the MNE as an organizational form and examine the research implications of these two environmental influences on four aspects of MNE internal organization: modes of entry abroad, configuration of activities, coordination and control, and competitive strategy.
Abstract: Multiple sources of external authority and multiple denominations of value are two distinguishing aspects of the environment faced by multinational enterprises (MNEs). After defining the MNE as an organizational form, we examine the research implications of these two environmental influences on four aspects of MNE internal organization: modes of entry abroad, configuration of activities, coordination and control, and competitive strategy. We present general propositions to guide future research and argue that multiple sources of authority and multiple denominations of value require cross-disciplinary research efforts in order to fully understand the MNE as an organizational form.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors take a holistic approach to organizations in order to promote aesthetic awareness as a legitimate form of understanding organizational life, in contrast to previous approaches that treat the aesthetic dimension as one organizational theme among many.
Abstract: The weak point of study of aesthetics in organizational life has been theorists' definition of the object of analysis, even before their use of methodology and techniques. This article takes a holistic approach to organizations in order to promote aesthetic awareness as a legitimate form of understanding organizational life. It is in contrast to previous approaches that treat the aesthetic dimension as one organizational theme among many. The article illustrates the elusiveness of the aesthetic dimension as an object of knowledge, and it also demonstrates the close link between the organizational aesthetic and the complex process of its deconstruction, comprehension, and communication.
TL;DR: In this article, it is argued that positive studies constitute the subjectivity of management through their representations, and that these studies treat the subject, whether this be an individual, a group, or a class of activities (such as an organization) as If it were no differ.
Abstract: This article draws on the work of the French philosopher. Michel Foucault, In order to problematize conventional approaches to the study of management and organizations that have been thought of as Informed by a positive epistemology. Such a methodology encourages researchers to produce positive knowledge in the form of representations of what they consider to be the real world of management. This involves a concentration on what may he seen as the outcome of human activity in the form of second-order constructs, such as markets, demand and supply schedules, company accounts, selection technique, or collective bargaining. Although those who conduct positive studies claim merely to report or represent the reality they observe. It is argued here that positive studies actually constitute the “subjectivity” of management through their representations. In so doing, these studies treat the subject, whether this be an individual, a group, or a class of activities (such as an organization) as If it were no differ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a framework for explaining the technology-strategy-structure relationship in the context of the current trends toward flexible automation by linking technology choices directly to a firm's external environment and by invoking the concept of "fit".
Abstract: This article presents a framework for explaining the technology-strategy-structure relationship in the context of the current trends toward flexible automation. By linking technology choices directly to a firm's external environment and by invoking the concept of “fit,” the framework places technology and strategy in a reciprocal relationship. The framework is used as a basis for examining the specific linkages arising from flexible automation and the posited relationship of this automation with strategy and structure. A set of research propositions is offered suggesting that superior performance can result when strategy and structure are congruent with the competencies and constraints of the firm's technological choice.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors suggest that modifications to both Japanese manufacturing practices and features of the U.S. manufacturing environment should be made before Japanese practices can be successfully adopted and performed.
Abstract: Japanese manufacturing practices are being implemented widely in the United States. However, firms are experiencing a variety of problems, indicating that these methods may have only limited success in the U.S. manufacturing environment. I suggest that modifications to both Japanese manufacturing practices and features of the U.S. manufacturing environment should be made before Japanese practices can be successfully adopted and performed. A framework for research is developed from which testable propositions are derived.
TL;DR: In this article, eight specific types of union members are identified and described based on an interactive relationship between union instrumentality and union commitment, and four of these member types were based on interactions between negative views of union ideology and union instruments.
Abstract: Eight specific types of union members are identified and described. Four of these member types were developed based on an interactive relationship between union instrumentality and union commitment. The other four types were based on interactions between negative views of union ideology and union instrumentality. A theoretical model of the eight member types was used to synthesize the literature on union membership. Implications that the model has for research and for union growth and participation are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors use the existing theoretical and empirical literature to suggest research questions about why leveraged management buyouts occur and what will be their likely consequences, and suggest that a growing proportion of corporate restructuring is in the form of Leveraged Management Buyouts (LBOs).
Abstract: A growing proportion of corporate restructuring is in the form of leveraged management buyouts (LBOs), but this activity is controversial, and critics have said that it involves ethical problems and redistributional issues. This article uses the existing theoretical and empirical literature to suggest research questions about why LBOs occur and what will be their likely consequences.
TL;DR: A psychoanalytic reading of these texts provides a way to explore the deeper meanings of these events and enrich our understanding of interorganizational phenomena and illuminate important social issues that might otherwise be kept in the dark.
Abstract: Hostile takeovers are interorganizational events that threaten organizational identity and integrity. Yet different meanings and different levels of meaning can be revealed by interpreting the texts that describe hostile takeover events. A psychoanalytic reading of these texts provides a way to explore the deeper meanings of these events. In addition, the media coverage of these events demonstrates both the reflection and construction of social reality, or “contemporary” culture. Interpreting the texts of hostile takeover events provides a way to both enrich our understanding of interorganizational phenomena and illuminate important social issues that might otherwise be kept in the dark.
TL;DR: The authors characterizes current critical practices as an "ethic of judgment" and draws from feminist theory to suggest the possibility of critique informed by a "ethics of care" in organizational studies.
Abstract: Discussion of what constitutes “good” scholarly critique in organisational studies usually emphasises procedural issues. The values guiding critique are seldom discussed. This article characterizes current critical practices as an “ethic of Judgment” and draws from feminist theory to suggest the possibility of critique Informed by an “ethic of care.” The purpose of this comparison is to draw attention to the Important role the values that structure critique play in the development of organisation theory.
TL;DR: A review of the book "Engineering Culture: Control and Commitment in a High-Tech Corporation, by Gideon Kunda" can be found in this paper, where the authors present a review of their book.
Abstract: This article presents a review of the book “Engineering Culture: Control and Commitment in a High-Tech Corporation,” by Gideon Kunda.
TL;DR: A review of the book "Management in Developing Countries, edited by Alfred M. Jaeger and Rabindra N. Kanungo" can be found in this article, where the authors present a review of their work.
Abstract: This article presents a review of the book “Management in Developing Countries,” edited by Alfred M. Jaeger and Rabindra N. Kanungo.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors presented two models that outlined the results that declining financial resources and a decreasing work force has on the structure of an organization and suggested that their argument about the long-term influences of work force decline needs to be reexamined.
Abstract: This article presents comments on an article published in a previous issue that discussed the effects that work force decline has on organizational structures. In that article the authors presented two models that outlined the results that declining financial resources and a decreasing work force has on the structure of an organization. This article suggests that their argument about the long-term influences of work force decline needs to be reexamined. The author notes that the process of organizational decline is more complex than suggested in the previous work and attempts to show that the process involves more than just a reduction in the scale of operations. He also asserts that the decline process is not simply the reverse of the growth process, as is suggested in the original work.
TL;DR: A review of the book "Social Theory for Action: How Individuals and Organizations Learn to Change" by William Foote Whyte can be found in this paper, where the authors present a review of Whyte's work.
Abstract: This article presents a review of the book “Social Theory for Action: How Individuals and Organizations Learn to Change,” by William Foote Whyte.