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Emergent by Design: Performance and Transformation at Infosys Technologies

Author

Listed:
  • Raghu Garud

    (Smeal College of Business, Pennsylvania State University, 430 Business Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-3603)

  • Arun Kumaraswamy

    (Lee Kong Chian School of Business, Singapore Management University, 50 Stamford Road, Singapore 178899)

  • V. Sambamurthy

    (Department of Accounting and IS, Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824)

Abstract

We explore how organizations may be designed to transform themselves even as they continue to perform seamlessly on a day-to-day basis. Our inquiry frame recognizes that organizational designs comprise several elements---people, technologies, processes, and governance. Our study of an exemplary organization, Infosys Technologies, yields two insights. At Infosys, each design element is seeded with generative properties. As these design elements interact, reinforcing and balancing one another, an overall organizational platform of resources, capabilities, and options emerges. The company draws on this emergent platform to perform in real time even as it transforms itself to adapt to changing environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Raghu Garud & Arun Kumaraswamy & V. Sambamurthy, 2006. "Emergent by Design: Performance and Transformation at Infosys Technologies," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 17(2), pages 277-286, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:17:y:2006:i:2:p:277-286
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1050.0179
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    13. Dvora Yanow & Haridimos Tsoukas, 2009. "What is Reflection‐In‐Action? A Phenomenological Account," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 46(8), pages 1339-1364, December.
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