A large, diverse sample of national firms was used to investigate the relationship between specialization, formalization, and centralization in the functional work unit. A finding was that the three variables compose a single dimension of organizational structure. Another finding was that, within this dimension, specialization, formalization, and centralization were negatively related; this indicates that these are alternative mechanisms for achieving administrative control. The findings are discussed in the light of previous research in the area and the implications for practicing managers.
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