On the Theory of Divisional Structures: Some Aspects of Centralization and Decentralization of Control and Decision Making

Zenon S. Zannetos
Additional contact information
Zenon S. Zannetos: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Management Science, 1965, vol. 12, issue 4, B49-B68

Abstract: The organization structure of the firm has been the subject of diverse research approaches. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for integrating the various views and analyzing the various factors that affect centralization and decentralization. After a historical review of some milestonee in organization research, a definition of decentralization which is based on the overall objectives of the firm is provided. The notions of hierarchical and mutual interaction structures are examined and contrasted with the notion of decentralization. Finally, the determinants of divisionalization are analyzed, and the suggestion is made that a study of the covariance matrix of subunit performance will guide us to the areas that need attention for possible reorganization.

Date: 1965
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

Downloads: (external link)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.12.4.B49 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:inm:ormnsc:v:12:y:1965:i:4:p:b49-b68

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Management Science from INFORMS Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Chris Asher ().