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Complexity and functions of the firm: breadth and depth
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 09:48 authored by Q Wang, N Von TunzelmannIn this paper, we assess complexity in organizations in terms of the dimensions of ‘depth’ and ‘breadth’. We examine how this operates in firms, indicating how different fields of research have tended to highlight only certain aspects of complexity, for instance, technology or products. In addition to assessing the impact of growing complexity in each functional area along either dimension, we further investigate the conditions under which complexity between the dimensions or functional areas may be coactive or conflicting. Detailed examination of historical evidence shows that greater complexity in one dimension or function does not necessarily lead to greater complexity in another. However, any simplification within a function or between functions may require changes in organizational structure and managerial control.
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Publication status
- Published
Journal
Research PolicyISSN
0048-7333Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Issue
7-8Volume
29Page range
805-818ISBN
0048-7333Department affiliated with
- SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2012-02-06Usage metrics
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