Abstract

We explore the relationship between the volatility of a firm�s local environment and its organizational structure. Using micro-level data on managers working for a large retailer, we empirically test and provide support for our theory that a more volatile local environment results in more decentralization only when the need for coordination among sub-units is low. In contrast, more local volatility is associated with more centralization when coordination needs are high. Our evidence supports the argument that centralized organizations are better at adapting to local shocks when coordination is important.

Download PDF

Citation

Dessein, Wouter, Desmond Lo, and Chieko Minami. "Coordination and Organization Design: Theory and Micro-evidence." American Economic Journal: Microeconomics (forthcoming).

Each author name for a Columbia Business School faculty member is linked to a faculty research page, which lists additional publications by that faculty member.

Each topic is linked to an index of publications on that topic.