The Anatomy of Organizational Design

Abstract

Current conceptualizations of organizational design context and process are examined, with the focus on a design/implement/evaluate approach. A case study of the developmental history of an educational service center, the Joint Access Cooperative System, is used to illustrate the ways in which current concepts are deficient and incomplete. Modifications which acknowledge the complexities involved over time in the design and redesign of an organization are explored. A more central role is advocated for the dimensions of personality, politics, pragmatism, and chance in the dynamics of organizational design.