An investigation of the performance consequences of alignment and adaptability: contingency effects of decision autonomy and shared responsibility

Narongsak (Tek) Thongpapanl, Dirk de Clercq, D. Dimov

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

This research investigates the moderating role of organizations' structural context on the performance outcomes of the firm's alignment and adaptability pursuits. It focuses in particular on the role of decision autonomy and shared responsibility, and posits that these structural features exert opposing influences on the effect of alignment and adaptability on performance. Using a sample of more than 200 Canadian-based firms, this study finds that at higher levels of decision autonomy, the positive relationship between alignment and performance becomes weaker, and the positive relationship between adaptability and performance becomes stronger. Furthermore, at higher levels of shared responsibility, the positive relationship between adaptability and performance strengthens. Thus, the study offers structure-based explanations for the challenge that organizations face when they attempt to reap the benefits of alignment and adaptability simultaneously.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)14-30
Number of pages17
JournalR and D Management
Volume42
Issue number1
Early online date27 Dec 2011
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2012

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