Some Effects of Organization Structure on Group Effectiveness

This paper reports on experimental research conducted with small groups performing under three different organization structurestight, loose-written, and loose-oral. The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effects of structure on groups required to make decisions on relatively complex problems. Further refinements were made on work previously done on the effects of structure. The refinements consisted of an organizational structure and a problem which were more complex and more representative of industrial organizations. Another objective was to investigate and compare the performance of groups organized under a highly restricted (tight) structure against groups organized' under loose (loose-written and loose-oral) structures. The evidence indicates that different structures will initially have different effects on groups exposed' to the same problem. Eventually, however, all groups, regardless of structure will reach a level of performance that is approximately the same. Rocco Carzo, Jr., is associate professor of management, College of Business Administration, Pennsylvania State University.