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A META-ANALYSIS OF ORGANIZATIONAL SIZE, FORMALIZATION, AND INDIVIDUAL OUTCOMES (INTEGRATIVE THEORY, THEORY-BUILDING)
Abstract
Meta-analysis was used to test a model linking organizational size, formalization and three measures of individual outcomes (satisfaction, absenteeism and turnover). The model was based upon a review of 220 articles which suggested the following propositions: (1) If size increases, then absenteeism and turnover increase but satisfaction decreases. (2) If size increases, then formalization increases. (3) If formalization increases, then absenteeism and turnover increase but satisfaction decreases. Using meta-analysis, weighted average correlations and error estimates were computed. The correlations were -.0014, .2908 and .2711 respectively for the relationships above. The confidence interval for each spanned zero indicating a lack of significance. However, the meta-analysis was pursued to determine patterns of relationships. The following percentages of variance in the relationships were accounted for by moderating variables: size/individual outcomes, 11%; size/formalization, 40%; and formalization/individual outcomes, 89%. Variance patterns for moderators were substantially different. Public accountability and unit of analysis were most important to size/individual outcomes; public accountability and variable definitions to size/formalization; and organizational level to formalization/individual outcomes. It is argued that although the weighted average correlations were problematic due to their confidence intervals, the patterns in the correlations and moderating variables are noteworthy. The meta-analysis benefit was a precise and quantified summary measure of prior empirical results produced by statistically rigorous and replicable methods. The patterns of variance associated with moderating variables were undiscernable by intuitive or nonstatistical processes. The presumed relationship between size and individual outcomes was not substantiated as were the other two relationships. Consistent with the Aston group findings (Pugh, et. al., 1968) it is suggested that contextual variables are less valuable in predicting individual outcomes than are structural variables.
Subject Area
Management
Recommended Citation
MACY, DONNA BETH, "A META-ANALYSIS OF ORGANIZATIONAL SIZE, FORMALIZATION, AND INDIVIDUAL OUTCOMES (INTEGRATIVE THEORY, THEORY-BUILDING)" (1985). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI8516875.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8516875