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Complexity and the functions of the firm: breadth and depth
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UNSPECIFIED (2000) Complexity and the functions of the firm: breadth and depth. RESEARCH POLICY, 29 (7-8). pp. 805-818. ISSN 0048-7333.
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Abstract
In this paper, we assess complexity in organizations in terms of the dimensions of 'depth' and 'breadth'. We examine how this operates in firms, indicating how different fields of research have tended to highlight only certain aspects of complexity, for instance, technology or products. In addition to assessing the impact of growing complexity in each functional area along either dimension, we further investigate the conditions under which complexity between the dimensions or functional areas may be coactive or conflicting. Detailed examination of historical evidence shows that greater complexity in one dimension or function does not necessarily lead to greater complexity in another. However, any simplification within a function or between functions may require changes in organizational structure and managerial control. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Item Type: | Journal Article | ||||
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Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor |
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Journal or Publication Title: | RESEARCH POLICY | ||||
Publisher: | ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV | ||||
ISSN: | 0048-7333 | ||||
Official Date: | August 2000 | ||||
Dates: |
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Volume: | 29 | ||||
Number: | 7-8 | ||||
Number of Pages: | 14 | ||||
Page Range: | pp. 805-818 | ||||
Publication Status: | Published |
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