Correlations between centralization and effectiveness were obtained from 26 independent samples in the organization science literature. Hypotheses were developed and statistically tested. The hypotheses that were supported are reflected in a final theory of the centralization-effectiveness relationship. (75 references) (MLF)

A stratified random sample of 96 employees in a large firm saved a hard copy of all incoming and outgoing electronic mail for a 3-day period. Proposes a framework for understanding how electronic communication could affect group behavior in organizations. (70 references) (MLF)

Describes an evolutionary model of organizational change through the selective retention of jobs. Idiosyncratic jobs, those created around particular people, serve as a mechanism for change. Discusses organizational processes for adaptation. (83 references) (MLF)

This and the next issue of "Organization Science" contain eight papers that deal with the process of organizational change. The five papers in this issue feature the theory of method and practice of researchers engaged in longitudinal field studies aimed at understanding processes of organizational change. (MLF)

Focuses on the methods being used to examine processes of innovation development that pertain to the selection of cases and concepts, observing change, coding and analyzing event data to identify process patterns, and developing theories to explain observed innovation processes. (42 references) (MLF)

Melanesian bigmanship is recounted as an anthropological metaphor for entrepreneurship. Demonstrates conceptual uses of ethnographies for developing grounded theory and methodological implications of ethnographies. (125 references) (MLF)

Organizations frequently pursue legitimacy through a variety of substantive and symbolic practices. However, legitimacy is a social judgment that is ultimately accorded the organization by its constituents. Analysis suggests that attempts to increase legitimacy may trigger a series of vicious circles that ultimately decrease legitimacy. (90…

Describes assumptions, rationale, and trade-offs involved in designing the research methodology used in a longitudinal study of organizational change. Data were obtained from over 100 organizations through 4 interviews spaced 6 months apart with top managers. (53 references) (MLF)

Cautions that, taken to its logical extreme, economic theory ignores the importance of implementation, implies lack of choice in organization decision making, and makes the organization a nonentity. Outlines the fundamental differences between behavioral and economic approaches to business policy. (63 references) (MLF)

Tests for and identifies populations within a family of electronics industries. Data include 669 United States and 144 Japanese electronics firms. Demonstrates the relevance of a general organizational classification for explaining how different natural selection processes affect different populations. (75 references) (MLF)

Theorizes that employees develop a shared perception of their organization's career hierarchy, and that this perception produces systematic managerial selection preferences that influence individual attainment. Responses from 488 (48 percent) of 1,043 managers in an electric utility suggest that managers do develop a shared perception. (78…

Suggests that bankruptcy occurs when creditors withdraw their support from a firm's top management team. Five characteristics measuring the relative status of top teams tested on a sample of 57 large bankrupt firms and 57 matched firms revealed that membership in political elites and board connections were negatively associated with bankruptcy.…

Attempts to define organizational processes necessary to operate safely technologically complex organizations. Identifies nuclear powered aircraft carriers as examples of potentially hazardous organizations with histories of excellent operations. Discusses how carriers deal with components of risk and antecedents to catastrophe cited by Perrow and…

Discusses the motivation and reasons behind the new journal "Organization Science." Goals for the journal include hopes that it will play a role in enhancing research relevance and incorporate ideas and methods from other disciplines. (54 references) (MLF)

Discusses problems in carrying out time-series research in organizational settings that include issues of site selection; choices about data collection and degrees of involvement; the importance of clarifying research outputs, audience, and presentation; handling problems of complexity and simplicity; ethical issues; and managing a community or…