Showing papers on "Resource dependence theory published in 1990"

Corporate linkages and organizational environment: A test of the resource dependence model

Abstract: Two comnpeting mlodels of corporate boards are presented. Managenment control proposes that the board is a rubber stamp for management, and plays a minor role in strategic managemlent, while resolurce dependence asserts that the board is a tool used to manage environmnental uncertainty. A struictural model was developed to determine whether corporate boards respond to different types of environmental uncertainty, using data on 147 companies from nine induistry groups. It was found that boards tended to be smaller in a more uncertain environient, while having an increased nunmber of interlocks. This relationship was stronger in high -performing firms.

Perceiving and Interpreting Environmental Change: An Examination of College Administrators' Interpretation of Changing Demographics

Abstract: This research examined the effect of organizational and resource dependence factors on college and university administrators' interpretation of an objectively verifiable environmental change: the d...

Conservation of Social Resources: Social Support Resource Theory

Abstract: A motivational model of social support was developed, based on a general stress model termed Conservation of Resources Theory (COR). COR suggests that individuals have, as a primary goal to preserve and protect those resources that they value. This resource conservation is made possible, in turn, by possessing a strong resource pool such that resource strength preserves further resource development and resource security. Resources, in other words, are both valued directly and valued indirectly as they serve to protect other resources. Social support provides a major reservoir for resources outside those endowed to the self (e.g. high self-esteem, sense of mastery). Examining our model and those proposed recently by others, we suggest that social support may be a central building block of health and well-being because together with personal resources t is related to overall sense of identity. Corollaries of this theory were also developed and supporting research was presented. Implications of our social su...

Theory and Research in Organizational Ecology

Abstract: Major theory and research in organizational ecology are reviewed, with an emphasis on the organization and population levels of analysis and processes of organizational foundings, mortality, and change. The main approach to organizational foundings examines the roles of density dependence and population dynamics. Six approaches to studying organizational mortality are fitness set theory, liability of newness, density dependence, resource partitioning, liability of smallness, and the effects of founding conditions. Research on organizational change is just beginning to appear in the literature. The convergence between ecological and institutional research is discussed, especially the role of legitimacy in population dynamics, and the effects of institutional variables on vital rates. Some key criticisms of organizational ecology are addressed, and some suggestions for future research are proposed.

A Multiple-Constituency Model of Effectiveness: An Empirical Examination at the Human Resource Subunit Level.

Abstract: This research was supported by a grant from the Organizational Effectiveness Program of the Office of Naval Research under grant N00014-84-K006, the Busines~ Associate Funds of the Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, and the Control Data Corporation. The author would like to thank the following individuals for their valuable comments on earlier drafts of the manuscript: Susan Ashford, Larry Cummings, Michael Hitt, Mike Keeley, Lyman Porter, Keith Weigelt, and Ray Zammuto. Finally, a special appreciation is extended to Associate Editor Marshall Meyer and three anonymous reviewers for their many insightful comments and constructive suggestions in refining the ideas in this paper. Using the human resource (HR) subunit as the focus for assessment, several core postulates of the multiple constituency model of effectiveness were examined empirically. Results supported the theoretical efficacy of the model. First, the relevant constituencies reported by the HR subunits were conceptually meaningful. Second, the subunit's effectiveness was influenced by both its adaptive responses, such as the use of human resource committees and control of employee absenteeism, and environmental context variables, such as assistance from corporate human resource groups and heterogeneity in the demographics of the constituents. Third, different adaptive response variables were associated with the effectiveness assessment of different constituencies, supporting the key postulate that effectiveness models of multiple constituencies are nonequivalent. The paper concludes with many suggestions for future research and conceptual extensions to the multiple-constituency model.'

Increased Environmental Uncertainty and Changes in Board Linkage Patterns

Abstract: Increases in competitive uncertainty and resource dependence accompanied the deregulation of the airline industry. In such a situation, firms might use interlocking among boards of directors as a c...

Hospital alliances: cooperative strategy in a competitive environment.

Abstract: The resource dependence perspective is used to describe the formation of hospital alliances. Characteristics of alliances and their various strategies and structures are discussed. A life cycle model provides a framework for viewing the development and growth of alliances. Several dimensions for assessing alliance performance are proposed.

University/Industry research collaborations: an analysis of interorganizational relationships

Abstract: Theory and research from the field of interorganizational analysis is applied to University/Industry Research Collaborations with the intent of better understanding these relationships and facilitating innovation. Four general perspectives are employed: population ecology resource dependence marketing and process The analysis suggests that: 1. These collaborations may be a function of major changes in industry structure which deserves more macro-level policy analysis. 2. Competitive forces may encourage organizations to invest in collaborations with limited potential for innovation. 3. Geographical proximity, and exchange of personnel and information are critical factors in the design of successful collaborations.

Measuring and analyzing diversification of corporations involved in pay cable

Abstract: This study examines diversification by the primary corporations involved in the operation of pay cable channels—Disney, Playboy, Time, and Viacom‐using a resource dependence perspective. The authors applied a diversity index to each company to understand how each company uses existing resources and might apply them in future ventures.

Bringing a network perspective into research on technological transfers and other interorganizational relationships

Abstract: International interorganizational relationships have exploded in the last decade (U.S. News and World Report, June 20, 1988: 48) and not surprisingly researchers have become increasingly interested in this phenomenon. A strong foundation of research grounded in strategic and transaction cost approaches is emerging on dyads at the organizational and industry level. This article proposes that a network perspective which considers the constellation of relationships these dyads are embedded in could enhance this research stream by bringing issues of power, resource dependence and exchange to the forefront. Applications using data on U.S./Japan linkages are used to illustrate a network approach. Implications for future research on interorganizational relationships are considered. International inter-organizational relationships have skyrocketed in the last decade (U.S. News and World Report, June 20, 1988:48). In rapidly changing technological and market environments, they offer a means to diversify cost and risk and co-opt or block competition while gaining access to new technologies, customers, products, distribution channels and resources (Auster, 1987; Berlew, 1984; Contractor and Lorange, 1988:9; Killing, 1983; Harrigan, 1987). Not surprisingly, a growing body of literature is emerging as researchers attempt to understand this phenomenon and these trends. This chapter will concentrate on and contribute primarily to the macro literature on international interorganizational relationships. Early macro research in this area focused primarily on one type of interfirm linkage, joint ventures, and was mostly based in strategy (Harrigan, 1985b; Killing, 1983, check). The competitive benefits of "alliances" in improving the firm's strategic posture in its industry and issues in managing the "parent-child-parent" relationship were the topics of greatest concern (Bivens and Lovell, 1966; Wright, 1979; Harrigan,

The resource dependence of a county nursing department: efforts to thrive in the 1980s.

Abstract: This case study documents analysis and planning in a contemporary public health nursing organization using resource dependence organizational theory. Several internal and external factors affect the organization and its relationships with its resources. We attempted to use knowledge of the environment-organization relationship in several ways. Three examples from inside and outside the county system demonstrate opportunities for nursing to decrease the organization's traditional resource dependence and expand its base of funding and influence. Application of this theory can assist other organizations to adapt and survive in this era of diminishing health care resources.