Contextualizing Patterns of Work Group Interaction: Toward a Nested Theory of Structuration

Leslie A. Perlow (), Jody Hoffer Gittell () and Nancy Katz ()
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Leslie A. Perlow: Harvard Business School, Harvard University, 343 Morgan Hall, Boston, Massachusetts 02163
Jody Hoffer Gittell: The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454
Nancy Katz: Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

Organization Science, 2004, vol. 15, issue 5, 520-536

Abstract: The focus of this article is the patterns of interaction that arise within work groups, and how organizational and institutional factors play a role in shaping these patterns. Based on an ethnographic study of groups across three national contexts, we describe the variation in patterns of interaction that we observed. We further suggest how different patterns of interaction form mutually reinforcing systems with aspects of the organizational context. In addition, we suggest how these mutually reinforcing systems are perpetuated by aspects of the broader institutional context. Our findings point toward a nested theory of structuration, expanding structuration theory to multiple levels simultaneously. In turn our findings have theoretical and practical implications for better understanding and managing interaction patterns among group members.

Keywords: interaction; work group; structuration; institutional context; cultural context (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2004
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (12)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:15:y:2004:i:5:p:520-536

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