Formal structures and informal networks: Structural analysis in organizations
- 作者：Olaf N. Rank
- 关键词：Formal organization ; Emergent and informal structures ; Organizational networks ; Network analysis
- 刊名：Scandinavian Journal of Management
- 出版年：2008
- 期刊代码：76_09565221
- 类别：bus
- 出版时间：June 2008
- 卷：24
- 期：2
- 页码：145-161
- 文件大小：833 K
摘要
Adopting a network-analytical approach this study tests predictions regarding the coexistence of formal organizational structures and informal networks. Data have been collected on the cooperative relationships within the strategic decision process at the two top-management levels in two German multinational corporations. The results from applying QAP and ANOVA analytical techniques reveal—against widespread assumptions—that managers participating in strategy-making not only use informal cooperation ties in addition to their formally designed relationships, but they also disregard their formal work contacts to a surprising extent. Moreover, significant differences can be found between horizontal and vertical relationships: (1) formal horizontal ties are much more likely to be disregarded than formal vertical ties, and (2) a significantly greater number of informal ties are built and maintained in a vertical rather than a horizontal direction. The results contribute to the existing literature in this field by offering deeper insights into the interdependencies between formal structures and informal networks.