Showing papers on "Resource dependence theory published in 1995"
TL;DR: Theoretical Perspectives Relevant to Understanding HRM in Context and Theory-Driven Research and Methodological Issues are reviewed.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION ......... 238 The Need jor Understanding Hwnan Resource Management (HRM) in Context ... 238 Theoretical Perspectives Relevant to Understanding HRM in Context 238 REVIEW OF EMPIRICAL RESEARCH 244 HRM and the Internal Contexts of Organizations .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244 HRM and the External Contexts oj Organizations 248 AN INTEGRATIVE PERSPECTIVE FOR RESEARCH ON HRM IN CONTEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 Theory-Driven Research 255 Methodological Issues 256
1,232 citations
TL;DR: The resource-based approach of deductive economics, the dynamic capabilities approach of strategy process, and organization theory research on organizational learning need to be joined in the next generation of resourcebased research.
777 citations
TL;DR: The authors suggests corporate public affairs activities can be broken into two types: buffering and bridging, and concludes that buffering is positively associated with environmental uncertainty and organizational power, while bridging is associated with uncertainty and an institution-oriented philosophy on the part of top management.
Abstract: This article suggests corporate public affairs activities can be broken clown into two types: activities that “buffer” from the social and political environment, and activities that “bridge” with that environment. Drawing on previous work related to contingency theory, resource dependence, and strategic management, we developed hypotheses concerning conditions under which firms will emphasize buffering, bridging, or both. The hypotheses were tested with data collected from large American firms and Lohmoller's partial-least-squares latent variable path analysis. Buffering is found to be positively associated with environmental uncertainty and organizational power. Bridging is positively associated with uncertainty and an institution-oriented philosophy on the part of top management.
540 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluate the range and intensity of networking among high-growth and low-growth entrepreneurial ventures in the People's Republic of China and find that the relationship between networking activities and growth transcended the stage of firm development.
470 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors consider the problem of how organizations choose strategies that address pressures from both their exchange and the institutional environments, and propose a set of strategies to address them.
Abstract: Whether and how organizations choose strategies that address pressures from both their exchange and the institutional environments has recently become a central question in organization theory. We ...
458 citations
Book•
31 Mar 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, a unified theory of organizational structure is proposed for organizational structural theory, based on a critique of anti-management paradigms in organization theory and a contingency theory for organizational adaptation.
Abstract: 1. Anti-management paradigms in organization theory 2. Structural contingency theory of organizational adaptation 3. A critique of population-ecology theory 4. A critique of institutional theory 5. A critique of resource dependence theory 6. A critique of organizational economics 7. Towards a unified theory of organizational structure 8. A way forward for organizational structural theory.
382 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the decision to outsource information systems (IS) functions has become a viable strategic alternative in managing the increasingly complex IS functions and a discrepancy model of this decision is developed.
Abstract: In recent years, the decision to outsource information systems (IS) functions has become a viable strategic alternative in managing the increasingly complex IS functions. In this study, the IS outsourcing phenomenon is conceptualized as a strategic decision in the organization. Drawing on resource-based theories, resource dependence theories, and other theories of strategic management, a discrepancy model of this decision is developed. Relationships between a number of strategy-theoretic factors and the IS outsourcing decision are hypothesized. These factors include IS resource performance discrepancies manifested in the form of gaps in information quality, IS support quality, IS cost effectiveness and financial performance, as well as the strategic orientation of the firm. Results of the study indicate that, while cost consideration and the firm's financial performance are not associated with the IS outsourcing decision, difficulties in providing good information outputs and IS support services are associated with the decision. Overall, the findings suggest that the current trend toward outsourcing represents a continuing evolution of the IS function as it attempts to fulfill its traditional mission of providing high quality information resource to the firm. When the performance of the delivered resource begins to slip in the current environment of rising expectation and technological complexity, outsourcing may become a strategic response of necessity. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of the results for practicing managers and suggestions for future research.
380 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the International Journal of Research in Marketing (IJRIM) was used as a reference for a study of the effect of marketing strategies on the performance of marketing campaigns.
286 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, two general forms of the employment relationship (i.e., job-focused and organization-focused) that can achieve one or the other of these over-arching objectives are described.
Abstract: Author(s): Pearce, JL; Tsui, AS; Porter, LW; Hite, JP | Editor(s): Ferris, Gerald R | Abstract: We initially pose the paradox that employers facing competitive environments simultaneously desire both flexibility in the employment and termination of employees and flexibility of operations afforded by committed employees. Utilizing previous conceptualizations in the literature, two general forms of the employment relationship (i.e., “job-focused" and "organization-focused'') that can achieve one or the other of these over-arching objectives are described. By drawing on several theoretical perspectives such as strategic choice, resource dependence, equity theory, and institutional theory, the paper identifies factors that can influence employers' preferences for the type of employee-organization relationship. These factors are categorized into two sets, those internal to it, and specific propositions are advanced that link particular factors with their effect on different forms of employment relationship. The paper concludes with overall implications of the propositions and suggestions for future research priorities.
257 citations
TL;DR: The action perspective as discussed by the authors argues that decision and decision-making are either rare, marginal phenomena, or artificial constructs producing biased observations, and argues that we would better do without decision-makin.
Abstract: How should we understand decision-making in organizations? And how important is it for our understanding of organizations? A wide body of empirical and theoretical research—labeled here as the decision-making perspective—assumes that decision-making is a fundamental element of organizational processes, and aims to identify different types of decision-making processses in organizations. But what exactly is decision-making? The paper argues that this perspective suffers from insufficient debate on the definition of its research object. One of the main limits of the decision-making perspective is its understanding of organizational decision-making as series of separate decision-making episodes. Stressing the continuity of organizational processes, an emerging “action perspective” challenges this view. It argues that decision and decision-making are either rare, marginal phenomena, or artificial constructs producing biased observations. Thus, some authors suggest that we would better do without decision-makin...
164 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify factors which condition local organization for resource management, including communication, group size, time horizons, trust, and social norms in supporting collective action.
Abstract: The sustainability of natural resource management depends not only on appropriate technology and prices, but also upon the institutions involved in resource management at the local level. This discussion paper aims to identify factors which condition local organization for resource management. It draws upon a review of two major bodies of literature: empirical analyses of forestry, fisheries, grazing, and irrigation management, and game theory literature. The empirical literature on resource management highlights the physical and technical characteristics of the resource, the characteristics of the group of users, and the attributes of institutional arrangements as key factors affecting the management capacity of local organizations. Simplistic game theory has often been used to predict a "tragedy of the commons" for natural resources, but more refined versions provide insights into the role of communication, group size, time horizons, trust, and social norms in supporting collective action. The evidence on voluntary organization indicates that collective management is often a viable alternative to nationalization or privatization of natural resources. Although local organizations will not be able to solve every collective action problem, in many situations they could be at least as effective as other management agencies. Knowledge of the factors which condition local organization should be used to develop policies to support local organizations for natural resource management.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined differences between surviving and failed firms and developed a predictive model using dimensions suggested by these theories: (1) industry profitability, growth, and stability; (2) control over the industry; (3) influence with critical resource providers; (4) buffering through diversification; and (5) present level of firm resources.
01 Sep 1995
TL;DR: Resource Dependence Theory: A Political Economy Model of Organizations as mentioned in this paper is a theory of organization that seeks to explain organizational and interorganizational behavior in terms of those critical resources that an organization must have in order to survive and function.
Abstract: Resource-dependence theory is a theory of organization(s) that seeks to explain organizational and interorganizational behavior in terms of those critical resources that an organization must have in order to survive and function. The theory focuses on the following: resources; the flow or exchange of resources between organizations; those dependencies and power differentials created as a result of unequal resource exchange; the constraining effects such dependence has on organizational action; and the effcrts by organizational leaders to manage dependence. With its emphasis on resource exchange, resource dependence represents a political-economy model of organizational and interorganizational behavior. Two strategies used by organizations--buffering and bridging--are discussed. Resource-dependence theory provides a useful framework for thinking about power differences across organizations and for describing the choice of adaptive strategies as a political activity. The theory's major limitation is its assumption that organizational behavior and structures are shaped primarily by materialistic forces; it fails to regard the role of cultural, ideological, and institutional forces. The theory should thei-efore be regarded as a partial, middle-range theory of organization. One figure is included. (Contains 20 references.) (LM1) ***************************i******************************************* Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Resource Dependence Theory: A Political Economy Model of Organizations Boh L. Johnson, Jr., Ph.D. Department of Educational Administration College of Education University of Utah
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that Southern non-governmental organizations are particularly vulnerable to external control, given their dependence on organizations in their environment for so many critical resources, and their inability to reduce uncertainty created by this dependence.
Abstract: This paper argues that Southern non-governmental organizations (SNGOs) are particularly vulnerable to external control, given their dependence on organizations in their environment for so many critical resources, and their inability to reduce uncertainty created by this dependence. After presenting a conceptual framework for understanding SNGOs transactions with organizations in their external environment, discussion turns to implications of resource dependence for Northern nongovernmental organizations (NNGOs) working with SNGOs in capacity building or scaling-up initiatives in low-income countries.
TL;DR: The literature suggests, but provides no empirical evidence, that high trust levels within organizations may aid human resource management reform efforts as discussed by the authors, and this article seeks to fill this empirical gap by providing empirical evidence.
Abstract: The literature suggests, but provides no empirical evidence, that high trust levels within organizations may aid human resource management reform efforts. This article seeks to fill this empirical ...
TL;DR: In this paper, a survey of 57 U.K. domestic joint-venture companies is used to investigate the dimensions of jointventure autonomy and finds that autonomy can vary greatly across types of decision issues.
TL;DR: The authors used multidimensional scaling to structurally analyze political action committee (PAC) campaign contributions within the context of resource dependence and class cohesion theories and found that resource dependence theory can better explain the forces that drive business participation in the U.S. public policy process.
Abstract: During the past 2 decades, business has become increasingly active in the political process, and scholars continue to debate the extent to which this activity is organized. This fundamental issue is addressed by using multidimensional scaling to structurally analyze political action committee (PAC) campaign contributions within the context of resource dependence and class cohesion theories. Results indicate that resource dependence theory can better explain the forces that drive business participation in the U.S. public policy process. Both theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The relationship between business strategy and financial structure in the U.S. hospital industry was found to be significant and defenders were found to have relatively high liquidity and low leverage.
Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between business strategy and financial structure in the U.S. hospital industry. We studied two dimensions of financial structure--liquidity and leverage. Liquidity was assessed by the acid ratio, and leverage was assessed using the equity funding ratio. Drawing from managerial, finance, and resource dependence perspectives, we developed and tested hypotheses about the relationship between Miles and Snow strategy types and financial structure. Relevant contextual financial and organizational variables were controlled for statistically through the Multivariate Analysis of Covariance technique. The relationship between business strategy and financial structure was found to be significant. Among the Miles and Snow strategy types, defenders were found to have relatively high liquidity and low leverage. Prospectors typically had low liquidity and high leverage. Implications for financial planning, competitive assessment, and reimbursement policy are discussed.
04 Jan 1995
TL;DR: The objective is to develop a research framework with a solid theoretical base that is capable of capturing the richness of changing interorganizational relationships, and the integration of three theoretical perspectives: transaction cost analysis, resource dependence theory and the network perspective is discussed.
Abstract: Examines the ways in which electronic data interchange (EDI) is used to coordinate and control interorganizational activities and resource transactions between car manufacturers and suppliers. The objective is to develop a research framework with a solid theoretical base that is capable of capturing the richness of changing interorganizational relationships. To this end, this paper discusses the integration of three theoretical perspectives: transaction cost analysis, resource dependence theory and the network perspective. The main concepts of the framework are described in terms of the environmental context, the coordination strategy, efficiency, structure and dependence. The effectiveness of the framework is demonstrated by the development of ten illustrative propositions that could be tested in practice. >
TL;DR: A modification of Toulmin's (1984) "field-specific reasoning" is applied to the text of deliberations in the United States Congress surrounding the foreign corrupt practices case 1975-1977 as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: A modification of Stephen Toulmin's (1984) “field-specific reasoning” is applied to the text of deliberations in the United States Congress surrounding the foreign corrupt practices case 1975–1977. Findings suggest that Congress has developed an institutionalized mode of deliberation focused on developing argumentation capable of bringing limited sets of highly general and cathected goals (warrants) into equilibrium. The coalition-building capacity of symbolic resources is traced to their “embeddedness” in overlapping networks of issues, existing legislation, governmental organs, congressional committees, legislative careers, and mobilized (or mobilizable) constituencies. The analysis is used to formulate a resource dependence model of exchange in symbolic resources.
TL;DR: In this article, a longitudinal design was used to examine the effects of changes in both environmental uncertainty and resource dependence in the external environment on the change in strategic orientation of organizations in the oil industry, using revenue flows during three distinguishable phases of growth.
Abstract: A longitudinal design was used to examine the effects of changes in both environmental uncertainty and resource dependence in the external environment on the change in strategic orientation of organizations in the oil industry, using revenue flows during three distinguishable phases of growth. The authors argue that the interactive effects of these two environmental variables yield more meaningful results than either variable observed separately. Implications of the study are discussed, along with recommendations for research.
TL;DR: Two theories in organizational sociology are used to make sense of the unwillingness of nursing homes to admit and treat people with AIDS.
DOI•
01 Jan 1995
TL;DR: Richman and Hoagland as discussed by the authors examined the extent to which and under what conditions economic development orientations can be predicted by resource dependence theory at public universities, focusing on the combined effects of administrative structure and variations in federal financial support.
Abstract: PREDICTING STRATEGIC ORIENTATIONS OF PUBLIC RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A TEST OF THE RESOURCE DEPENDENCE MODEL Steven Rae Hoagland Old Dominion University, 1995 Director: Dr. Roger S. Richman This study is an original application of resource dependence theory to research administration at public universities. It examines the extent to which and under what conditions economic development orientations can be predicted by resource dependence theory. Data analyses concentrate on the combined effects of administrative structure and variations in federal financial support on the economic development orientations of public doctorategranting universities nationwide. Data were collected from three sources: (a) published data on the research dollar volume of public universities; (b) higher education personnel directories containing information about research offices; and (c) a mailed survey instrument containing four orientations in economic development. Of 96 universities contacted, usable responses to the survey instrument were received from 80 senior research administrators. A response rate of 83.3 percent
01 Jan 1995
TL;DR: The origins and management of the European Community's Integrated Mediterranean Program (IMP) provides an exceptional test of a number of implementation and inter-organizational relations as mentioned in this paper, highlighting in particular the limits both of agency-based models of implementation, and of the resource dependence model of interorganization relations.
Abstract: The origins and management of the European Community's Integrated Mediterranean Program (IMP) provides an exceptional test of a number of implementation and inter-organizational relations. It highlights in particular the limits both of agency-based models of implementation and of the resource dependence model of inter-organizational relations. While the IMP largely succeeded in increasing the decision-making autonomy of participating regions, as desired by the European Commission, expectations concerning the practical outcomes of the program were not fulfilled. Empirical observation not only of the political constraints faced by regional authorities, but also of their self-perceived organizational goals and legitimating models proves essential to the understanding not only this particular outcome but, we suggest, of implementation processes more generally.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the relationship between selected franchise system characteristics and the proportion of franchisee-owned units in 743 franchise systems in North America and found that the tradeoff between the benefits of employee monitoring and agency costs serves an important function in the decision to franchise.
Abstract: This study examined the relationship between selected franchise system characteristics and the proportion of franchisee-owned units in 743 franchise systems in North America. Hypotheses based on two prominent theories of franchising, agency-relations theory and capital resource theory were tested empirically. Findings from this study appear to provide support for the agency-relations theory offranchising. These results propose that the tradeoff between the benefits of employee monitoring and agency costs serves an important function in the decision to franchise. Also, results are suggestive of a “life cycle” of franchising.
28 Jun 1995
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used the event history method to analyze the strategic alliances created by semiconductor start-ups founded in the 1980s and found that alliances that operate under more adversarial task environment have higher dissolution hazards in early years, but they have lower dissolution hazard after a certain period of time.
Abstract: This study uses the event history method to analyze the strategic alliances created by semiconductor start-ups founded in the 1980s. The findings suggest the dialectical relationship between the alliance task environment and the time-dependent possibility of alliance dissolution. Generally, alliances that operate under more adversarial task environment have higher dissolution hazards in early years. But they have lower dissolution hazard after a certain period of time than those operating under less adversarial task environment. By controlling the effect of change in resource dependence on alliance dissolution, the results show the pivotal role of alliance tasks in addition to widely used resource dependence explanations. This study enriches theories on strategic alliance by introducing a time-dependent logic to explanations of alliance dynamics. While the current strategic alliance literature is dominated by perspectives explaining alliance formation, this study indicates much can be understood about alliances by contemplating the issues of alliance dissolution.