Research Details

Abstract

We examine the relationship between the organization of a multi-divisional Örm and its ability to adapt production decisions to changes in the environment. We show that even if lower-level managers have superior information about local conditions, and incentive conáicts are negligible, a centralized organization can be better at adapting to local information than a decentralized one. As a result, and in contrast to what is commonly argued, an increase in product market competition that makes adaptation more important can favor centralization rather than decentralization.

Type

Article

Author(s)

Niko Matouschek, Wouter Dessein, Ricardo Alonso

Date Published

2015

Citations

Matouschek, Niko, Wouter Dessein, and Ricardo Alonso. 2015. Organizing to Adapt and Compete. American Economic Journal: Microeconomics.