Topic
Organizational information theory
About: Organizational information theory is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 19 publications have been published within this topic receiving 12449 citations. The topic is also known as: OIT.
Papers
More filters
TL;DR: Models are proposed that show how organizations can be designed to meet the information needs of technology, interdepartmental relations, and the environment to both reduce uncertainty and resolve equivocality.
Abstract: This paper answers the question, "Why do organizations process information?" Uncertainty and equivocality are defined as two forces that influence information processing in organizations. Organization structure and internal systems determine both the amount and richness of information provided to managers. Models are proposed that show how organizations can be designed to meet the information needs of technology, interdepartmental relations, and the environment. One implication for managers is that a major problem is lack of clarity, not lack of data. The models indicate how organizations can be designed to provide information mechanisms to both reduce uncertainty and resolve equivocality.
8,674 citations
TL;DR: The concept of information richness is introduced, and three models of information processing are proposed that describe (1) manager information behavior, (2) organizational mechanisms for coping with equivocality from the environment, and (3) organizational mechanism for internal coordination.
2,538 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a model that relates the amount and equivocality of information processing to the variety and analyzability of work-unit activities was proposed, and an exploratory test of the model was conducted on 24 work units.
Abstract: ? 1981 by Cornell University 0001 -839218112602-02071$00.75 A model is proposed that relates the amount and equivocality of information processing to thevariety and analyzability of work-unit activities. New questionnaire scales were developed for the information and task variables, and an exploratory test of the model was conducted on 24 work units. The reported amount of information processing increased with both task variety and analyzability; the reported use of equivocal information decreased with task analyzability. The findings suggest a modification of the previously reported positive relationship between task uncertainty and amount of information processing
919 citations
01 Nov 1984
TL;DR: In this article, the authors argue that information processing in organizations is influenced by two forces, equivocality and uncertainty, and propose models that link structural characteristics to the level of uncertainty that arise from organizational technology, interdepartmental relationships, and the environment.
Abstract: : This paper argues that information processing in organizations is influenced by two forces--equivocality and uncertainty. Equivocality is reduced through the use of rich media and the enactment of a shared interpretation among managers (Weick, 1979). Uncertainty is reduced by acquiring and processing additional data (Galbraith, 1973; Tushman and Nadler, 1978). Elements of organization structure vary in their capacity to reduce equivocality versus uncertainty. Models are proposed that link structural characteristics to the level of equivocality and uncertainty that arise from organizational technology, interdepartmental relationships, and the environment.
139 citations