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Looking for synergy in organizations: The role of the concept of configuration in contemporary theory

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  • Sluismans, Raf

    (MERIT)

Abstract

The aim of this article is to add to organization theory by exploring the theoretical concept of organizational configuration and identifying its added value. Why is it used and what possibilities does it offer for organizational theorists? We will examine the underlying assumptions and try to produce a sound definition of configuration. This article is based on 77 articles and books from which we identified 6 authors as being the main theorists for configuration theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Sluismans, Raf, 2003. "Looking for synergy in organizations: The role of the concept of configuration in contemporary theory," Research Memorandum 014, Maastricht University, Maastricht Economic Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    • Handle: RePEc:unm:umamer:2003014
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    File URL: https://www.merit.unu.edu/publications/rmpdf/2003/rm2003-014.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrew M. Pettigrew, 1987. "Context And Action In The Transformation Of The Firm," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 24(6), pages 649-670, November.
    2. Gassmann, Oliver & von Zedtwitz, Maximilian, 1999. "New concepts and trends in international R&D organization," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 28(2-3), pages 231-250, March.
    3. Gregory G. Dess & G. T. Lumpkin & J. G. Covin, 1997. "Entrepreneurial strategy making and firm performance: tests of contingency and configurational models," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 18(9), pages 677-695, October.
    4. Jeffrey G. Miller & Aleda V. Roth, 1994. "A Taxonomy of Manufacturing Strategies," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 40(3), pages 285-304, March.
    5. Ravasi, Davide & Verona, Gianmario, 2001. "Organising the process of knowledge integration: the benefits of structural ambiguity," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 17(1), pages 41-66, March.
    6. de Barros, Alexandre G & Wirasinghe, S.C, 2002. "Designing the airport airside for the new large aircraft," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 8(2), pages 121-127.
    7. Buckley, Peter J. & Carter, Martin J., 2002. "Process and structure in knowledge management practices of British and US multinational enterprises," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 8(1), pages 29-48.
    8. Bruno Dyck, 1997. "Understanding Configuration and Transformation through a Multiple Rationalities Approach," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(5), pages 793-823, September.
    9. Forza, Cipriano & Salvador, Fabrizio, 2002. "Managing for variety in the order acquisition and fulfilment process: The contribution of product configuration systems," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 76(1), pages 87-98, March.
    10. Moores, Ken & Yuen, Susana, 2001. "Management accounting systems and organizational configuration: a life-cycle perspective," Accounting, Organizations and Society, Elsevier, vol. 26(4-5), pages 351-389.
    11. Joe Tidd & Frank Hull, 2002. "Organizing for Service Innovation: Best-Practice or Configurations?," SPRU Working Paper Series 77, SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex Business School.
    12. Zotteri, Giulio & Verganti, Roberto, 2001. "Multi-level approaches to demand management in complex environments: an analytical model," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 71(1-3), pages 221-233, May.
    13. Alex Miller, 1988. "A taxonomy of technological settings, with related strategies and performance levels," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 9(3), pages 239-254, May.
    14. Neergaard, P., 2002. "Configurations in quality management," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 18(2), pages 173-195, June.
    15. M. Bensaou & N. Venkatraman, 1995. "Configurations of Interorganizational Relationships: A Comparison Between U.S. and Japanese Automakers," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 41(9), pages 1471-1492, September.
    16. Bantel, Karen A., 1998. "Technology-based, "adolescent" firm configurations: strategy identification, context, and performance," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 13(3), pages 205-230, May.
    17. Tuma, A., 1998. "Configuration and coordination of virtual production networks," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 56(1), pages 641-648, September.
    18. Dahlgren, J. & Söderlund, J., 2001. "Managing inter-firm industrial projects -- on pacing and matching hierarchies," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 10(3), pages 305-322, June.
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