Equifinality: Functional Equivalence in Organization Design
- 1 April 1997
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Academy of Management in Academy of Management Review
- Vol. 22 (2), 403-428
- https://doi.org/10.2307/259328
Abstract
Theorists have often acknowledged the importance of equifinality in organization design, and, in recent years, several studies have demonstrated the concept empirically. This article exposes the assumptions regarding function and structure that underlie contingency theory and develops ct functional equivalence view of design. By examining the degree of conflict in functional demands together with the latitude of structural options available, we reveal and describe three different types of equifinality: suboptimal, tradeoff, and configurational. The functional equivalence approach implies a different agenda and emphasis for research on structure and design and has normative implications for how managers should design to achieve performance.This publication has 20 references indexed in Scilit:
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