Formal Structure and Communication: an Examination of Two Models

Abstract

Previous theory and research in the area of large-scale organizations have suggested that there is a relationship between the organizational chart and social behavior within the organization. The prime concern of this study was to determine the degree of relationship between the formal system's chart and communication within the organization. In order to examine this supposition two statistical models were developed: (1) dealing with the organizational chart of relations, and (2) dealing with random behavior. While our findings indicate that observed interaction differs significantly from that predicted on the basis of the organization chart, there is clear evidence indicating the superiority of the organizational chart as a basis of prediction over the use of a random model of behavior.

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