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Suboptimal Assessment of Interunit Task Interdependence: Modes of Integration and Information Processing for Coordination Performance

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  • J. Daniel Sherman

    (College of Business Administration, University of Alabama--Huntsville, Huntsville, Alabama 35899)

  • Robert T. Keller

    (Department of Management, C. T. Bauer College of Business, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204)

Abstract

This investigation extends previous research on cross-functional integration. Building on earlier theoretical development, a graduated sequence of modes of integration is tested in relation to interunit task interdependence in a global logistics support organization. This research addresses the question of what effects are associated with perceptual error in the assessment of interunit task interdependence. The results demonstrate that as the deviation between perceived and latent interdependence increases, the deviation between optimal and observed integration modes increases. These deviations are found to occur in over 30% of the cases. In addition, this research addresses the question of what effects are associated with the suboptimal implementation of modes of integration. The results demonstrate that as the deviation between optimal and observed integration modes increases, coordination performance decreases. The implications for theory and practice of improved coordination performance and information processing theory are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • J. Daniel Sherman & Robert T. Keller, 2011. "Suboptimal Assessment of Interunit Task Interdependence: Modes of Integration and Information Processing for Coordination Performance," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 22(1), pages 245-261, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:22:y:2011:i:1:p:245-261
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1090.0506
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Dietrichson, Jens, 2013. "Coordination Incentives, Performance Measurement and Resource Allocation in Public Sector Organizations," Working Papers 2013:26, Lund University, Department of Economics.
    2. Andrea Pontiggia & Giovanni Fasano, 2021. "Data Analytics and Machine Learning paradigm to gauge performances combining classification, ranking and sorting for system analysis," Working Papers 05, Venice School of Management - Department of Management, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia.
    3. Dietrichson, Jens & Gudmundsson, Jens & Jochem, Torsten, 2022. "Why don’t we talk about it? Communication and coordination in teams," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 197(C), pages 257-278.
    4. Abdelghani Es-Sajjade & Terry Wilkins, 2017. "Design, Perception and Behavior in the Innovation Era: Revisiting the Concept of Interdependence," Journal of Organization Design, Springer;Organizational Design Community, vol. 6(1), pages 1-12, December.
    5. Dietrichson, Jens & Jochem, Torsten, 2014. "Organizational coordination and costly communication with boundedly rational agents," Comparative Institutional Analysis Working Paper Series 2014:1, Lund University, Comparative Institutional Analysis, School of Economics and Management.
    6. Dahai Li & Huan Wang & Yang Li, 2023. "Incentive Mechanisms for Thermal Power Generation Enterprises with Conflicting Tasks: Electricity Production versus Carbon Emission Reduction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-22, July.
    7. Johann Piet Hausberg & Peter S. H. Leeflang, 2019. "Absorbing Integration: Empirical Evidence On The Mediating Role Of Absorptive Capacity Between Functional-/Cross-Functional Integration And Innovation Performance," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 23(06), pages 1-37, August.
    8. Dietrichson, Jens & Gudmundsson, Jens & Jochem, Torsten, 2014. "Let's Talk It Over: Communication and Coordination in Teams," Working Papers 2014:2, Lund University, Department of Economics, revised 18 Apr 2018.
    9. Nicolay Worren & Tore Christiansen & Kim Verner Soldal, 2020. "Using an algorithmic approach for grouping roles and sub-units," Journal of Organization Design, Springer;Organizational Design Community, vol. 9(1), pages 1-19, December.
    10. Runsten, Philip, 2017. "TEAM INTELLIGENCE: THE FOUNDATIONS OF INTELLIGENT ORGANIZATIONS - A Literature Review," SSE Working Paper Series in Business Administration 2017:2, Stockholm School of Economics.

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