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Sequential Variety in Work Processes

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  • Brian T. Pentland

    (Department of Accounting and Information Systems, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, Michigan 48824-1122)

Abstract

This paper introduces the concept of sequential variety as a way to measure variability in the sequence of steps used to perform a work process. There is reason to expect that such variability may influence a range of outcomes, such as flexibility and quality. Two alternative ways to operationalize sequential variety are demonstrated and compared to traditional measures of task variety in four task units. The findings provide empirical support for treating sequential variety as a distinct construct. In particular, sequential variety appears to provide an index of tacit, procedural knowledge, while task variety may relate more closely to explicit, declarative knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • Brian T. Pentland, 2003. "Sequential Variety in Work Processes," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 14(5), pages 528-540, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:14:y:2003:i:5:p:528-540
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.14.5.528.16760
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    Cited by:

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    3. Nooteboom, B., 2005. "A Logic of Multi-Level Change of Routines," Discussion Paper 2005-42, Tilburg University, Center for Economic Research.
    4. Becker, Markus C. & Zirpoli, Francesco, 2008. "Applying organizational routines in analyzing the behavior of organizations," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 66(1), pages 128-148, April.
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    6. Sarah Zelt & Jan Recker & Theresa Schmiedel & Jan vom Brocke, 2018. "Development and validation of an instrument to measure and manage organizational process variety," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(10), pages 1-25, October.
    7. Guo, Jingjing & Guo, Bin & Zhou, Jianghua & Wu, Xiaobo, 2020. "How does the ambidexterity of technological learning routine affect firm innovation performance within industrial clusters? The moderating effects of knowledge attributes," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 155(C).
    8. Francesca Melillo, 2023. "Going From Entrepreneur Back to Employee: Employer Type, Task Variety, and Job Satisfaction," GREDEG Working Papers 2023-21, Groupe de REcherche en Droit, Economie, Gestion (GREDEG CNRS), Université Côte d'Azur, France.
    9. Markus Becker & Thorbjorn Knudsen, 2012. "Nelson and Winter Revisited," Chapters, in: Michael Dietrich & Jackie Krafft (ed.), Handbook on the Economics and Theory of the Firm, chapter 19, Edward Elgar Publishing.
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