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Exploring the duality between product and organizational architectures: A test of the “mirroring” hypothesis

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  • MacCormack, Alan
  • Baldwin, Carliss
  • Rusnak, John

Abstract

A variety of academic studies argue that a relationship exists between the structure of an organization and the design of the products that this organization produces. Specifically, products tend to “mirror” the architectures of the organizations in which they are developed. This dynamic occurs because the organization's governance structures, problem solving routines and communication patterns constrain the space in which it searches for new solutions. Such a relationship is important, given that product architecture has been shown to be an important predictor of product performance, product variety, process flexibility and even the path of industry evolution.

Suggested Citation

  • MacCormack, Alan & Baldwin, Carliss & Rusnak, John, 2012. "Exploring the duality between product and organizational architectures: A test of the “mirroring” hypothesis," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(8), pages 1309-1324.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:41:y:2012:i:8:p:1309-1324
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2012.04.011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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