PP-1999-09: Reducing Uncertainty: A Formal Theory of Organizations in Action

PP-1999-09: Kamps, Jaap and Pólos, László (1999) Reducing Uncertainty: A Formal Theory of Organizations in Action. [Report]

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Abstract

This article presents a formal reconstruction of James D. Thompson's
classic contribution to organization theory, Organizations in Action.
The reconstruction explicates the underlying argumentation structure
for Thompson's propositions--literally, theorems or problems to be
demonstrated. This allows Thompson's propositions to be derived as
theorems in a deductive theory. As it turns out, the formal theory is
based on general assumptions using only few primitive concepts. In
addition, this theory explains why Thompson's propositions do not hold
for noncomplex or "atomic" organizations (a restriction on the domain
of application). Furthermore, this study reveals that organizations
attempt to reduce constraints in their environment--a heretofore
unknown implication of the theory.

Item Type: Report
Report Nr: PP-1999-09
Series Name: Prepublication (PP) Series
Year: 1999
Date Deposited: 12 Oct 2016 14:36
Last Modified: 12 Oct 2016 14:36
URI: https://eprints.illc.uva.nl/id/eprint/9

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