Showing papers on "Resource dependence theory published in 1984"

Perspectives in Organizations: Resource Dependence, Efficiency, and Population

Abstract: Three perspectives on organizations recently have been the object of increasing interest: the resource dependence, efficiency, and population perspectives. This paper reviews the driving force, organizational concept, assumptions, and literatures of each, then identifies three points of integration across the three perspectives. The suggested meta-theoretical framework within which the perspectives can be interpreted as selection processes may provide the basis for more elaborate theory development by enhancing debate and confrontation among different theoretical perspectives.

The dynamics of interorganizational coordination.

Abstract: : A theory was developed on the creation, growth, and decline of relationships among organizations and was tested, using a longitudinal study of 95 dyadic relationships among child care and health organizations in Texas. Using LISREL V, the test of the theory showed that substantial revision of the model was required to adequately explain the data. When the model was revised, important new patterns were revealed in the development of interorganizational relationships over time: (1) Perceptions of dependence on others for resources spurs the development of interorganizational relationships. Resource dependence is a powerful direct determinant of communications, resource transactions, and consensus; (2) The growth of interorganizational relationships is fostered by frequent communications to formalize the relationship and build consensus about the terms of the relationship among the parties involved; (3) Monetary transactions and client referrals entail different patterns of coordination; and (4) Consensus among parties in an interorganizational relationship is both a positive outcome of initial resource dependence and communications and has a negative influence on subsequent perceptions of resource dependence. Keywords include: Interorganizational Relations, Interorganizational Coordination.

Resource Theory and Power in Families: Life Cycle Considerations

Abstract: We begin our discussion by outlining the usefulness of "resource theory" as a theoretical framework for the study of family power. This framework is then used to analyze changes in the balance of power between elderly parents and their middle-age children. With respect to intergenerational power relationships, we argue that the autonomy of elderly parents has increased, but their power and influence over adult children has decreased. This trend is likely to continue in coming decades. Resource theory is then utilized to analyze changes in marital power relationships as couples age. Most studies of power relationships between elderly spouses have an important limitation--they tend to reflect yesterday's definitions of male and female roles. Recent changes in these roles may significantly alter the social meanings of aging for both men and women in coming years.

Dimensions of resource dependence: some elements of rigor in concept and policy analysis

Abstract: Many commentators have sounded alarms about the alleged dependence of developed, industrialized countries on assured supplies of raw materials from overseas. Their alarms have disturbing implications for the future of these countries' foreign policies and may, for example, be used to justify political or military interventions in the Third World. These commentators, however, frequently proceed from very primitive conceptual foundations. A careful specification of the dangers involved, and of strategies for measuring various aspects of dependence, points up some of the shortcomings of simplistic analysis. It also suggests that the risks of dependence on foreign sources of most raw materials are easily exaggerated, at least for the United States.

Specifying External Relations: Definition of and Actors in an Organization's Environment

Abstract: Organization-environment concerns have become an increasingly important topic for both academic researchers and organizational practitioners. Unfortunately, some of the academic perspectives on organization-environment relations have emphasized the study of constructs within an organization's environment more than specific activities that an organization may adopt with actors in its environment. This paper proposes a three-step process for bridging academic research and organizational practice around organization-environment relations. First, distinctions between environments as nonmanipulable elements and niches as manipulable elements can be made. Resource dependence, efficiency, and uncertainty perspectives on environments have particular application at organization-niche interfaces. Ecology and uncertainty perspectives have relevance at the organization-environment interface. Second, niches can be at least partially identified through methods used to define strategic groups or populations. Classificat...

Control and influence relationships in multinational corporations: The subsidiary's viewpoint : Application of the resource dependence perspective for studying power relationships in multinational corporations

Abstract: Control and Influence Relationships in Multinational Corporations. The Subsidiary's Viewpoint. Application of the Resource Dependence Perspective for Studying Power Relationships in Multinational Corporations

Dimensions of Resource Dependence in Exporting Countries

Abstract: In considering exporting country dependence on large-scale resource projects, a logical starting-point is with the relevant economic theory. Yet this is difficult to elaborate clearly for reasons associated principally with the particular nature of the subject.