The Effects of Regulatory Agencies on Organizations in Wood Products and High Technology/Electronics Industries

Abstract

This study compares the effects on organizations in two industries of regulatory agencies and other sectors of the task environment. Findings indicate that regulatory agencies differ from other sectors in their influence on planning and goal setting, the nature and frequency of internal organizational adjustments to their actions, and the specific characteristics of regulatory activities considered to be adverse. Firm size and age are systematically related to these differences. These findings are explained in terms of industry differences and changing dispositions of managers.