Misfits in Organization Design: Information Processing as a Compensatory Mechanism

Authors

  • Ben Nanfeng Luo University of New South Wales
  • Lex Donaldsen University of New South Wales

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7146/jod.7359

Keywords:

Over-fit, under-fit, misfit, fit, compensatory misfits, compensatory effect, contingency theory, information processing

Abstract

We propose a compensatory misfits theory which holds that an “over-fitting” organization structure can compensate for an “under-fitting” structure, thereby reducing the total misfit. In organizations, over-fit occurs when structural features misfit the core contingencies because the structural level is too high to fit the contingencies. An under-fit occurs when structural features misfit the contingencies because the structural level is too low. When an under-fit is compensated by an over-fit, the combination can produce performance outcomes that approximate those from fit. The reason inheres in information processing being a higher level factor that cuts across different contingencies and structural features that are mis-fitted to each other, so that compensation is possible. We identify the specific conditions that must be fulfilled for compensation to occur, and we discuss implications for organization design theory and practice.

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Published

2013-04-18

How to Cite

Luo, B. N., & Donaldsen, L. (2013). Misfits in Organization Design: Information Processing as a Compensatory Mechanism. Journal of Organization Design, 2(1), 2–10. https://doi.org/10.7146/jod.7359

Issue

Section

Research Article