bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expert-System Scores for Complex Constructed-Response Quantitative Items: A Study of Convergent Validity
Authors: Bennett Randy Elliot , Sebrechts Marc M. , Rock Donald A.
Published: March 2007

This study investigated the convergent validity of expert-system scores for four mathematical constructed-response item formats. A five-factor model comprised of four constructed-response for mat factors and a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test quantitative factor was posed. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the fit of this model and to compare it with several alter natives. The five-factor model fit well, although a solution comprised of two highly correlated dimensions_GRE-quantitative and constructed- response—represented the data almost as well. These results extend the meaning of the expert system's constructed-response scores by relating them to a well-established quantitative measure and by indicating that they signify the same underlying proficiency across item formats.
Information Functions of the Generalized Partial Credit Model
Authors: Muraki Eiji
Published: March 2007

The concept of information functions developed for dichotomous item response models is adapted for the partial credit model. The information func tion is explained in terms of the model parameters and scoring functions. The relationship between the item information function and the item response function also is discussed. The informa tion function then is used to investigate the effect of collapsing and recoding categories of polytomously-scored items of the National Assess ment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The NAEP writing items were calibrated and the item and test information is used to discuss desirable properties of polytomous items.
Estimation of Reliability Coefficients Using the Test Information Function and Its Modifications
Authors: Samajima Fumiko
Published: March 2007

The reliability coefficient and the standard error of measurement in classical test theory are not properties of a specific test, but are attributed to both a specific test and a specific trait distribution. In latent trait mod els, or item response theory, the test information func tion (TIF) provides more precise local measures of accuracy in trait estimation than are available from the reliability coefficient. The reliability coefficient is still widely used, however, and is popular because of its simplicity. Thus, it is worthwhile to relate it to the TIF. In this paper, the reliability coefficient is predicted from the TIF, or two modified TIF formulas, and a spe cific trait distribution. Examples demonstrate the vari ability of the reliability coefficient across different trait distributions, and the results are compared with empiri cal reliability coefficients. Practical suggestions are given as to how to make better use of the reliability coefficient. Index terms: adaptive testing, bias, clas sical test theory, item information function, latent trait models, maximum likelihood estimation, reliability co efficieno, standard error of measurement, test informa tion function, trait estimation.
Some Observations on the Effects of Microcomputers on the Productivity of University Scientists
Authors: SNIZEK WILLIAM E.
Published: March 2007

To date, no systematic empirical research has been conducted to assess the effects of microcomputer usage on the productivity of university scientists. Based on a series of interviews with scientists and engineers, their spouses and graduate students, the present study offers a number of preliminary observations concerning certain advantages and potential drawbacks with respect to scientific productivity associated with the microcomputer's use, both in the office and at home. Principal among the points discussed are the microcomputer's detrimental effects on such things as collegial-and graduate-student interaction patterns, domestic relations with spouse and family, and the increasingly clerical nature of faculty work routines, and the difficulty some scientists experience reaching closure on their word-processed manuscripts.
Knowledge and Knowing
Authors: BROWN REVA BERMAN
Published: March 2007

This article describes a number of classifications of knowledge present in the sociological literature about knowledge. The second section is concerned with a discussion about knowing about knowledge; the third section gives some consideration to the knowledge industry; and the article concludes with a survey of aspects of the utilization of knowledge by organizations and managers. Throughout, examples of views of knowledge are drawn from an earlier study of business school academics.
Use of BLAISE in bibliometric studies
Authors: Ritchie Maureen , Ritchie Adrian , Nicholas David , Bell Kenneth
Published: March 2007

Account of a research project investigating the literature of the humanities, which concludes that bibliometric studies are greatly facilitated by the use of computerized databases such as BLAISE.
I. The United Kingdom
Authors: Gray John
Published: March 2007

Observing that the UK has long been a major publisher of scientific and technical literature, the author concludes that the role of government must be to ensure that the total provi sion is always sufficient to meet changing needs. The activ ities of the UK government are discussed in the light of this premise.
Some models of processes for information exchange concerning ‘Human Settlements’
Authors: Karlén Ingvar
Published: March 2007

Information relations between agents (subjects) have been studied. Within an informatics project examining processes related to maintenance and occupancy of construction works (The INFOR-project) at the Design Methodology Department at the Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm. Certain models developed previously to describe relations between subject, information means and objects have been applied in the study as well as the relationships between functional objectives, means and resources in the planning of information systems. The study can also be regarded as a development of the ‘Notification Hexagon’ developed by Fairthorne and further developed by Moorrs. As a further development functional subsystems in object systems and related information flow are discussed. Here principles for subsystems developed by Miller, Blumenthal, Samuelson, Newell-Simon and Karlen are compared.
Toward an integral multi-file on-line bibliographic database
Authors: Martin W.A.
Published: March 2007

The work described represented an attempt to lay the basis for an integral multi-file bibliographic database and, in particular, to derive a common retrieval vocabulary for data bases received from many different sources in a single carrier language. The creation of an experimental database of some 44 000 references with abstracts, as originally announced in NASA STAR during 1973 and 1974, is described. This data base could be searched either by the classical controlled voca bulary technique or by means of an improved natural language technique using terms in the titles and/or abstracts, or any combination of these. This improved technique was based on three discrete aspects: the development of an index file of uniterms from the natural language by means of an iterative, machine-aided procedure; the incorporation of meaningful phrases culled from the same source; and the derivation of an RT-analogue, on the basis of statistical term association, called Associated Concepts. The experimental database was submitted to a comparative evaluation of controlled and natural language retrieval performance by an external group directed by Prof. Cyril Cleverdon and com prising expert documentalists from several large European information centres with long experience of on-line search ing ; the results of this evaluation are reported.
Agreement and divergence on referencing practice
Authors: Cronin Blaise
Published: March 2007

A small experiment is described which illustrates the extent to which referencing habits and expectations can vary, even within a single professional sub-group. A considerable lack of unanimity was found between author and readers as regards the ideal number and siting of references within the experimental paper. Agreement and divergence is analysed in relation to semantic aspects of the text.
The development of CLINDATA, a clinical trial data management system
Authors: Ravenscroft T. , Smith D.E.
Published: March 2007

The paper describes the design and implementation of a clinical trial data management system at the Wellcome Research Laboratories. Based on an IBM 3031 computer, the system provides the capability for on-line data input, search ing and comprehensive data analysis. The database also performs an adverse reaction reporting function and provides for long term follow-up of patients.
Scientific publications in English and developing countries: A report of a survey of scientists' experiences
Authors: Inman C.R.H.
Published: March 2007

The prime importance of English in international communi cation is now well documented, as is the poor access to scientific communication in developing countries and the damaging consequences of this. This article presents informa tion on the experiences of scientists working in developing countries, on the basis of a survey carried out at Leicester University. Patterns of use of English-language publications are described, along with the problems of obtaining required publi cations. Surprisingly, a considerable number of scientists claimed that they had no difficulty in this respect.
Education for IS or IT. Is there a difference?
Authors: Bottle R.T.
Published: March 2007

The total number of UK information scientists with ex amined IS qualifications is estimated at 1300. Of these about two thirds trained at The City University. In a spectrum of jobs ranging from librarianship through IS to IT the proportion of non print information handled increases to 100% and is seen as an important differentiating characteristic for the three areas. The new part-time M.Sc. in Information Systems and Technol ogy offered at The City University is envisaged as filling a gap between existing IS and IT courses.
Information systems and the stimulation of creativity
Authors: Bawden David
Published: March 2007

The nature of scientific creativity from the point of view of information provision is discussed, and the contributions of current information systems assessed. The changes necessary to enable 'formal' library/information channels to play a fuller part in stimulating creativity are discussed. They include: representation of information for detection of analogies, pat terns and exceptions; interdisciplinary information, and the role of reviews; creation of an information-rich environment, including peripheral material; extension of browsing capabili ties, in both printed and computerized systems; direct involve ment of information users; serendipitous use of literature; individually oriented information access; integration of infor mation systems into formal creativity stimulation techniques. The implications of new information technology, particularly for the convergence of formal and informal communication channels, are considered.

The necessity for research (theoretical and practical) on these topics is pointed out. A bibliography of 103 references attempts to draw together some of the scattered relevant literature. '
Major features of the infrastructure of China's Sci-Tech information system
Authors: Lu Taihong  , Li Derong
Published: March 2007

The Chinese sci-tech information system, established thirty years ago, is in many ways different from the Western systems. Analysing the infrastructure of the system, this paper presents the four major features of the system: nationalized ownership, dependence on administrative bodies, emphasis on the service for scientific research, and lack of control and coordination.
Regulation and deregulation of telecommunications: the economic and political realities. Part III: Japan, the Pacific Basin and less developed countries
Authors: Philip George , Shao Hing Tsoi
Published: March 2007

The liberalization of telecommunications in the western hemisphere has not gone unnoticed in the countries of Asia and the Pacific Basin. Japan has already taken the plunge and indeed she passed legislation to end the monopoly of the Nippon Telephone and Telegraph Public Corporation (NTT) in 1984. She has realised that a monopoly can impede develop ments in Information Technology and that deregulation is essential to stimulate competition and consequently lead to the availablity of a wide range of economical value added network services. Liberalization can also be regarded as a tactical move to achieve a firm foothold in the lucrative international tele communications market. There are at least three Japanese companies competing aggressively in the international arena and one of them has already opened an international telecom munications consultancy office in London with plans for fur ther expansion in the United States.

The rates of growth of the telecommunications industry in other countries of the Pacific Basin including Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong have also been phenomenal. It is no exaggeration to say that telecommunications is contributing significantly to the continuous shift of economic power from the Atlantic to the Pacific region. However, the area also includes several countries which are so technologically back ward that deregulation is virtually a non-issue. Nevertheless they face several economic, political and information disad vantages which arise from the lack of a well-defined, modern telecommunications infrastructure. They have already recog nized the value of telecommunications in their overall and individual development, and are campaigning vigorously in international forums such as NWICO and WARC for a new world information order based on telecommunications.
The information analyst as a quality filter in the scientific communication process
Authors: Neill S.D.
Published: March 2007

There are two major problems in the field of information use today—the quantity of material produced and its quality. Quality is of two kinds—innovation or newness of the results, and the validity of the results. This paper is concerned with the problem of validity and how to screen the literature using this criterion as a filter. Various quality filtering systems are dis cussed, including peer review and expert panels, and the prob lems associated with them delineated. It is proposed that the information analyst (defined anew herein) be used as a filter to identify quality research papers, especially using the validity criterion. A discussion of the pros and cons of the recom mendation is initiated. The paper has two objectives: (1) to establish a definition of one of the jobs in the information field, and (2) to present an idea that will increase our ability to identify and control the quality scientific literature.
Library and information work in Egypt: perspective of a volunteer working in Assiut
Authors: Lees Nigel
Published: March 2007

Personal experiences of the author whilst working as a Libraries Coordinator in the libraries of the Faculty of Science, Assiut University are discussed. Difficulties and shared prob lems faced by volunteer libranans are described which include: staffing, library stock, library building, library usage, cooper ation and status of library work. A brief history of volunteer input to the Faculty of Science is given with special reference to the years 1986-88, when the author was involved.

Problems relating to research work in Egypt, again with reference to experience in Assiut, are described. The work of the National Information System (ENSTINET) and its various information nodes, especially NIDOC, is also described. The work of other library and information centres (American Uni versity Library, Cairo University Department of Librananship, the National Library and the British Council) is briefly de scribed and compared to development in Assiut.
Public service broadcasting and deregulatory pressures in Europe
Authors: Papathanassopoulos Stylianos
Published: March 2007

Public policies on broadcasting which used to work within a regulatory environment have now to readjust their traditional way of regulating broadcasting and, concurrently. to accom modate the deregulation of their traditional broadcasting sys tems. This article attempts to describe and examine the con cept of public service broadcasting, its Justifications and the deregulatory trends on the European Continent.
A system architecture for multimedia information retrieval
Authors: Bordogna G. , Carrara P. , Gagliardi I. , Merelli D. , Naldi F. , Padula M.
Published: March 2007

This paper describes the architecture and the main features of DOMINO, a multimedia information retrieval system whose database is a collection of multimedia documents (MDs) con stituted of a mixing of texts and images. DOMINO data structure has been designed in such a way that both MD integrity and query symmetry with respect to the type of information involved (textual or pictorial) are preserved.

In this paper we will focus on the general aspects of DOMINO architecture bringing out a thorough description of the textual data structure, based on an inverted file structure, and on its generation, inquiry and updating procedures. Spe cial effort has been made to design a data structure for which storage requirements and retrieval time are optimized depend ing on the type of search strategies the system should pursue.
Relevance as an aid to evaluation in OPACs
Authors: O'Brien Ann
Published: March 2007

The relevance of retrieved documents or document descrip tions has been a central measurement in the evaluation of information retrieval (IR) systems. Online public access cata logues (OPACs) are sirrular in many ways and so relevance should be an appropnate evaluation tool in measuring their performance. The development of relevance in evaluating IR systems is described and also the important differences be tween such systems and OPACs. Characteristics of the end- users of both systems are discussed with the conclusion that end-users' motivation and behaviour are as yet not fully under stood. The implication of this is that relevance is a central feature, but only one, of an OPAC user's overall information need.
The development of information activities in the Special Economic Zones of China
Authors: Cun Wang
Published: March 2007

Since the early 1980s, China has begun to establish Special Economic Zones one after another. The establishment of these zones of China has attracted the attention of the international community. Due to the Chinese government's special policy, favourable geographical conditions near Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and overseas investment, the economy of the Special Economic Zones has developed rapidly for the last ten years and more. Along with the economic boom, the develop ment of information activities is also very rapid. In Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Xiamen and Shantou, which are four main Special Economic Zones of China, there have been dramatic changes in every aspect of information activity including public infor mation consciousness, staff numbers in information service departments, the adoption of modem information technology, and directed information-gathering.
An empirical examination of information systems expenditure: a stage hypothesis using the information processing and organizational life cycle approaches
Authors: Gupta Yash P. , Chin David C.W.
Published: March 2007

In this paper. we propose a model for information systems expenditure. based on the concepts of information processing and organisational life cycle. From a sample of 105 companies, our study shows that as an organisation becomes more mature, information systems expenditures increase This may be due to the need to process more information to cope with the increasing environmental and task complexity facing mature organisations. Our results suggest that when an organisation is undergoing periods of uncertainty such as de mand fluctuations, increasing hostility from competitors and industry-wide declines they should increase spending instead of implementing measures of budget control in information systems.
User interfaces for information systems
Authors: Belkin N.J. , Marchetti P.G. , Albrecht M. , Fusco L. , Skogvold S. , Stokke H. , Troina G.
Published: March 2007

This paper presents descriptions of four informa tion/system interface projects in progress at ESRIN, the estab lishment of the European Space Agency (ESA) in Italy. Each project demonstrates a somewhat different approach to mter face design, but all share the commonality of responding to user goals, tasks and charactenstics. It is suggested that next generation scientific information systems will have to be designed for direct access by end users to a large vanety of information sources, through a common interface. Design of such systems, including their interfaces, should be based on a multi-level analysis of user goals, tasks and domain views.
Laws for the lawless: ethics in (information) science
Authors: Adam Ralph
Published: March 2007

Information workers are increasingly required to involve themselves in activities which may have ethical implica tions: deciding between information sources, evaluating out put, carrying out surveys of usage, etc. There is little guidance as to what constitutes reasonable behaviour and there is, as yet, no adequate code of conduct for the profession. Debates on the usefulness of such a code have often lacked direction and failed to address the major issue of whether information can ever by supphed on a neutral, value-free, basis This article considers the arguments for and against the neutral supply of information services and summanses the main areas of ethical concern in information work and information research before assessing whether a formal code of ethics is really the best solution for the profession.
Picture retrieval by content description
Authors: Leung C.H.C. , Hibler D. , Mwara N.
Published: March 2007

The tundamental problem of modelling data effec tively in the context of still pictures is addressed, which marks a significant departure from the conventional means of imple menting pictorial databases. In using the entity-attribute-rela tionship model, the main semantic concepts of entity. at tribute and relationship can be represented in a simple man ner which correspond very closely to the noun, adjective and verb which are the essential components of a simple descrip tion of a picture. Such a system has the advantage over traditional ways of representing the data in an automated system in that it allows, inter aha, the concept of relationships between two (or more) objects to be successfully represented in the database. Our basic starting point is man-machine cooperation in which the pattern processing capability of the human eye is fully exploited As a result, it should provide a much better degree of flexibility in the identification of com plex patterns. Evaluation experiments carried out on a proto type system based on this approach are able to yield precision and recall performances of over 62% and 88% respectively.
A publication and citation analysis of the Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield, 1980-1990
Authors: Bradley Susan J. , Willett Peter , Wood Frances E.
Published: March 2007

This paper discusses the citations to, and publica tions by, 10 members of the full-time academic staff of the Department of Information Studies, University of Sheffield. during the period 1980-1990. It is shown that departmental publications are cited by a very wide range of organisations and in many countries, with more citations in the social-sci ence literature than in the science literature. The journals in which publications or citations occur are in fair agreement with a previous study that considered UK information studies professors. The overlap in the citations to pairs of members of staff is not very large, providing some support for the idea that information studies should not be regarded as an inte grated discipline.
The responsibility and the response: sustaining information systems in developing countries
Authors: Agha Syed Salim , Akhtar Shahid
Published: March 2007

This article examines the issue of the sustainability of information systems in developing countries. While the availability and use of information is often taken for granted in our daily lives, it is important to recognize its potentially tremendous value when applied towards a particular need or task, specifically with respect to meeting development objec tives. This is a fact that many Third World countries do not appreciate, hence, the general lack of attention and support. in developing countries, to the establishment and mainte nance of adequate national information systems and services This article discusses the level of information use and the general state of information systems in developing countries It then goes on to outline the findings ot a recent study that empirically explored the issue of sustainability of information systems in developing countries Recommendations for the creation and enhancement of conditions conducive to sustain ability are presented to three groups — development plan ners, information professionals and aid agencies — each of whom are urged to work, individually and collectively, to develop programs to limit disparities in the development process; support "needs-based" information programs, ser vices and activities and provide the necessary financial and infrastructural support.
The White House files
Authors: McMurdo George , Simpson Evelyn
Published: March 2007

The US Clinton-Gore administration has given information policy a high profile as a means for 'reinventing government'. Vice President Al Gore has described high-speed computer networks as 'information superhighways', and as analagous to the development of the interstate highway system for American competitiveness and economic strength. Federal agencies have been encouraged to provide more public access to data. However, the administration has also set its own example in networking and information provision, with Internet e-mail addresses for the President and Vice President and, more recently, in making nearly 5,000 files and more than 60 megabytes of White House information available to the public via an electronic mail server. A summary analysis of this filespace at the end of February 1994 is presented. The main groups of files are for the 1993-95 Budgets, the North American Free Trade Agreement, the National Performance Review, the Health Security Act, the Health Care review, speeches, Internet-related files and White House papers.
HIBROWSE for bibliographic databases
Authors: Pollitt A. Steven , Ellis Geoffrey P. , Smith Martin P.
Published: March 2007

The HIBROWSE (High Resolution Interface for Database Specific Browsing and Searching) design offers improved searching functionality for users of bibliographic databases. The interface provides a multi-windowed view of data stored on a relational database management system, using layered attribute value aggregation and classification. The user interrogates the database by invoking automatically formulated SQL (structured query language) queries that fil ter the contents of each window according to user-selected attribute values. The interface is described using 'hand crafted' screens to create realistic examples of HIBROWSE systems for EPOQUE, the European Parliament Online Query System, INSPEC, MEDLINE and EMBASE.
The function of national journals in disseminating applied science
Authors: Sanz E. , Aragon I. , Mendez A.
Published: March 2007

This paper considers the problem of national versus inter national journals. The practice in certain countries of giving 'recognition' only to Science Citation Index journals, per se, does a disservice to national journals. These journals serve an important role in local diffusion of applied infor mation. Sixty papers were studied: half published in a local Spanish journal and the other half in international journals. They were written by the same groups of researchers. Indicators designed to discriminate the type of research published in both sets were used. The analysis indicated that the type of research published in the Spanish journals is applied, whereas that published abroad is basic. Apparently, the Spanish journal is nearer to the industrial sector. However, to disregard the local journal for evalua tive purposes may be a disservice to scientists who are trying to help in the transfer of information to the indus trial sector.
Understanding information policy: concepts, frameworks and research tools
Authors: Rowlands Ian
Published: March 2007

This paper considers the need for a more systematic and critical approach to the academic study of information policy at national and international level. It reviews the complex, multifaceted nature of large-scale information policy problems and considers some of the main sources of confusion in the journal literature. It is argued that while information policy has been largely technology-driven, the consideration of information policy issues has, for histor ical reasons, typically been discipline-bounded. This has contributed to a fragmentation of research effort and a lack of consensus on the most appropriate home discipline for the study of information policy. In the search for a more critical scientific understanding of information policy issues, a brief review is made of the strengths, limitations and applicability of the broad theoretical and methodolog ical approaches which have been adopted, often implicitly, by writers reporting in the library and information science literature. The paper concludes with a consideration of some desirable characteristics for the design of information policy studies.
A note on the origins of the 'information society'
Authors: Duff Alistair S. , Craig David , McNeill David A.
Published: March 2007

The origins of the 'information society' are not well under stood. This paper assembles and evaluates the available data with a view to providing clarification of the provenance of a now widely-used and influential concept. Two main accounts have appeared. The first features Machlup's 1962 monograph The Production and Distribution of Knowledge in the United States. The second claims Japanese proven ance, citing articles in the broadcasting journal Hoso Asahi. Various equivocations and confusions are discussed, such as the tendency in both accounts to conflate the 'information society' with the concept of an 'information industry'. The second account quickly emerges as the stronger. However, it is argued (perhaps controversially) that ultimate credit for the invention of the 'information society' belongs not to the authors of the articles published in Hoso Asahi, but to that journal's editorial staff. While the paper is primarily inter pretative, some additional research data are cited.
The design of document information systems
Authors: Rosman G. , van der Meer K. , Sol H.G.
Published: March 2007

Document information systems (ISs) can be used to support staff tasks with documents. Owing to the declining prices of software and hardware, more and more document ISs are being designed, tested and implemented. This paper presents some types of costs and benefits of document ISs and some design methodological aspects that arise from the documentary nature of the data. This has conse quences both for the method of working and the method of modelling. There are multiple data types and the access structures to the information must be designed. A case study of the implementation route of a document IS is described. Based on a quantification and qualification of the document collections, costs and benefits of the docu ment IS, documentary aspects of the system design, together with the various sections of the invitation to tender for obtaining a suitable software package, are given.
The initial development of networking in Chinese libraries
Authors: Yitai Gong
Published: March 2007

Reflecting on the present zeal and efforts shown by Chinese librarians in networking, the paper gives an account of the existing main networks in operation.
Research Note: The Aston Databank
Authors: Richards V.G.
Published: March 2007

Data from 21 Aston Programme projects have been brought together in a databank in Britain where they are available for other researchers to analyse. The databank's potential for research and accessibility is described.
Critical Organizations
Authors: Colignon Richard , Cray David , Colignon Richard , Cray David
Published: March 2007

As new paradigms of organizational research are developed, a key task will be the selection and investigation of organizations which have important social impact. In this article a category of organizations which are crucial for the development of society is identified. The relation between these critical organizations and the society is described along with the research problems implied by this relationship. Three examples of critical organizations are discussed.
The Schismatic Metaphor and Its Implications for Organizational Analysis
Authors: Morgan Gareth
Published: March 2007

This article investigates the possibility of studying organizations upon the basis of a schismatic metaphor, which presumes that there is a fundamental tendency within organizations towards disintegration as a result of endogenously generated change. The metaphor specifically sets out to provide an alternative to the traditional mechanical and organismic metaphors, which assume that social systems are functionally unified and essentially stable, by focusing upon strains and tensions which often work towards the incompatible ends of unity and fission. It suggests that these strains and tensions can account for patterns of internal differentiation, the decentralization of power and control, patterns of conflict, and many other important organizational characteristics. Systematically developed, the schismatic metaphor offers an opportunity to view orga nizations from a perspective which elevates the importance of many variables which are either neglected or taken for granted within the context of traditional theorizing. The article elaborates a theme, substantiated in more detail elsewhere (Morgan f.c.), that social theorizing is essentially metaphorical and that powerful new insights can be generated through the use of new metaphors which allow theorists and researchers to study and see familiar phenomena in new ways.
Contributions of Organizational Sociology: Part I: Contributions to Sociology — A Liberal View
Authors: Lammers Cornelis J.
Published: March 2007

'Sociology of organizations' is often considered to be just a name for the general social-scientific approach to the study of organizations. However, a case can be made for a one-sided, purely sociological analysis of organizations and interorganizational trans actions on the grounds that such a sociological speciality forms an essential part of sociology at large and, in addition, contributes to various other sociological specialities. As a distinct subdiscipline organizational sociology developed in the 1960s as a 'horizon tal' approach, claimed to be more theoretical, more fruitful, and more economical than the 'vertical' study of organizations. With the aid of a fourfold classification of its 'outputs' it is argued that organizational sociology has produced a wide variety of fruitful theories and findings which justify the claim that there remains a definite need for such a speciality closely tied to its 'mother discipline'. In a sequel — to appear in OS 2/4 — the contributions of organizational sociology to practical and societal concerns will be dealt with.
Divisionalization and Size: A Theoretical and Empirical Critique
Authors: Donaldson Lex
Published: March 2007

Previous work on large business organizations in advanced industrial countries has established that the substitution of a multidivisional for a functional structure is related to the degree of diversification. However, there also exists some theory and evidence which asserts the importance of size for divisionalization. This article examines the issue theoretically and empirically and concludes that divisionalization is more closely associated with diversification than with size, and that the former relationship predominates statistically. The argument from diversification is shown to be more cogent theoretically than that from size.
Sources and Management of Organizational Stress in Nursing Sub-units in Canada
Authors: Leatt Peggy , Schneck Rodney
Published: March 2007

The main objectives in this research were to explore differences in kinds of stress in varying types of nursing sub-units in hospitals and to examine the relative importance of sub-unit characteristics such as the technology, size, environment, context, structure, and internal sub-unit processes in contributing to sub-unit stress. Five kinds of stress were identified: stress from traumatic emotional experiences, psychogeriatric work load, scheduling of work, physician-nurse relationships, and personality role stress; some of these were found to be associated with variations in the technology of the sub units, but did not appear likely to be modifiable through changes in structural design and organizational processes. Other types of stress were related to both the technology and the sub-unit environment and these appeared to be more amenable to modification through the type of structure and internal processes of the sub-unit.
Transactions and Organizational Forms: A Re-analysis
Authors: Leblebici Huseyin
Published: March 2007

This paper is an attempt to extend and amplify the concept of transaction and its relation to alternative organizational forms. Based on the institutional economics tradition of Commons (1924), the economics of internal organizations (Williamson 1975), and recent developments in organization theory (Ouchi 1980), it proposes a conceptual scheme to explain what distinguishes organizational forms and the transformation of these forms under the condition of future uncertainty. The implications of this framework for organization theory and design are also discussed.
Language and Institutional Reality: Reply and Response
Authors: McHoul A.W.
Published: March 2007

This paper is written in the form of a partial response to an earlier paper in Organization Studies, Clegg's 'The language of power and the power of language'. It argues that Clegg's conflation of realism with materialism, on the one hand, and relativism with idealism, on the other, leads him to neglect some very important sociological sources. In particular, the present paper attemps to rescue ethnomethodology (and to a lesser extent Foucauldian discourse analysis) from Clegg's charges. It does so by arguing for a counter-realist materialism in sociological theory. There is a partial re-analysis of Clegg's main data fragment taken from a transcript of talk on a building site.
Underspecification in Models of Organizational Effectiveness: Comments on Bresser and Dunbar
Authors: Ryder Paul A.
Published: March 2007

Bresser and Dunbar's (1986) study of the effectiveness of West German universities failed to incorporate adequate indicators of student quality and relevant internal processes. Measures of executive leadership style and strategy formulation seem specifically called for, together with indicators of organizational climate operating at the departmental level. Problems in describing structure-strategy relationships in university contexts are discussed to facilitate further research.
Gender and Organization: Towards a Differentiated Understanding
Authors: Alvesson Mats , Billing Yvonne Due
Published: March 2007

This paper treats a number of issues within the area of gender and organization. Alternative approaches are discussed — from comparing groups of women and men in organizations to using gender as a metaphor for illuminating the character of organizations. The limitations of generalizations on the relationship between gender and organizations are indicated. Instead of advocating a unitary feminine view and making just one case against male-domination and discrimination in organizations, differences between groups of women and a multiplicity of forms of masculinity in working life are suggested. In order to better understand gender bias and conflicts in organizations, a differentiated understanding of gender/ organization relations is suggested, based on an organizational symbolism approach.
The Antecedents of Deinstitutionalization
Authors: Oliver Christine
Published: March 2007

Deinstitutionalization refers here to the erosion or discontinuity of an institution alized organizational activity or practice. This paper identifies a set of organiza tional and environmental factors that are hypothesized to determine the likelihood that institutionalized organizational behaviours will be vulnerable to erosion or rejection over time. Contrary to the emphasis in institutional theory on the cultural persistence and endurance of institutionalized organizational behaviours, it is suggested that, under a variety of conditions, these behaviours will be highly susceptible to dissipation, rejection or replacement.
Shades of Culture and Institutions-in International Mergers
Authors: Olie René
Published: March 2007

This article explores merger integration processes in the international context and the way in which the merged companies cope with difficulties emanating from firm-specific and nation-specific differences. The first part of the article discusses the consolidation process in general. Four factors are identified that define the significance of this process: (1) the degree of compatibility of adminis trative practices, management styles, organizational structures or organizational cultures; (2) the kind and degree of post-merger consolidation; (3) the extent to which parties value and want to retain their organizational integrity; (4) the nature of the relationship between the two organizations.

In order to create a viable new organization it is argued that leadership, the symbolic reconstruction of a new identity, superordinate goals, and introducing multigroup memberships may reinforce integration.

To illustrate the discussion, three case studies of large Dutch-German mergers are examined in the second part of the article. These cases show that leadership, an appropriate organizational structure, and compatibility of merger motives may be important facilitators in the merging process.
Organizations and National Culture: Methodology Considered
Authors: Tayeb Monir
Published: March 2007

This paper highlights some of the major problems and obstacles which are faced by researchers in the field of cross-cultural study of organizations and manage ment. Specifically, the difficulties in the areas of conceptualization, operationaliz ation, data collection and interpretation. and the focus of study are discussed. Some of the studies which have attempted to tackle or overcome the difficulties associated with these areas are reviewed.
Paradigms Lost: Incommensurability vs Structurationist Inquiry
Authors: Weaver Gary R. , Gioia Dennis A.
Published: March 2007

Although some organizational scholars invoke the alleged incommensurability of metatheoretical paradigms in order to legitimize a plurality of approaches to the field, others have called for cross- or multi-paradigm inquiry into organizations while yet maintaining the essential incommensurability of paradigms. As long as the incommensurability thesis itself is maintained, however, calls for cross- or multi-paradigm inquiry are compromised, and legitimate goals of theoretical and metatheoretical diversity are poorly served. The problem is not with such calls for broader but still diverse perspectives, but with the incommensurability thesis to which they infelicitously are tied. Giddens' structurationist metatheory pro vides a means to honour both calls for a broader, more unified perspective and demands for metatheoretical and theoretical pluralism, without resorting to the self-stultifying incommensurability thesis. A structurational analysis enables us to give up the idea of impermeable and imperialistic paradigms, while yet main taining distinctive perspectives within organizational inquiry.
The Effect of Lag-structure Identification when Testing for Fit
Authors: Hoffman James J. , Carter Nancy M. , Cullen John B.
Published: March 2007

The concept of 'fit' is a central thrust for middle-range theories in many man agement disciplines. In this context, 'fit' refers to the match between two or more factors. Several recent studies involving the concept of fit have examined how variables, both internal and external to the firm, combine to affect organ izational performance. When doing this type of research, a key decision must be made regarding the selection of research designs appropriate for testing the fit between variables. This study tests the fit concept and examines whether the identification of proper lag-structures associated with the fit relationship improves the effectiveness of the research design. Findings suggest that when testing models involving fit, the identification of proper lag-structures is an important research-design issue.
Inter-firm Networks: Antecedents, Mechanisms and Forms
Authors: Grandori Anna , Soda Giuseppe
Published: March 2007

This paper is an effort to review and organize the now vast literature on inter firm networks, with the aim of assessing the important current forms of net work, the organizational mechanisms supporting them, and the main variables that have been shown to influence network emergence and shape. These results are achieved through a literature review encompassing a number of approaches across the social sciences. The paper can therefore be used as a typological state-of-art on inter-firm networks, and as a basis for developing hypotheses of relationship between network antecedents and forms.
The Unmanaged Organization: Stories, Fantasies and Subjectivity
Authors: Gabriel Yiannis
Published: March 2007

This paper argues that within every organization there is a terrain which is not and cannot be managed, in which people, both individually and in groups, can engage in unsupervised, spontaneous activity. This is referred to as the unmanaged organization, a kind of organizational dreamworld in which desires, anxieties and emotions find expressions in highly irrational construc tions. The chief force in this terrain is fantasy and its landmarks include stories, myths, jokes, gossip, nicknames, graffiti and cartoons. In the organizational dreamworld, emotions prevail over rationality and pleasure over reality. The paper argues that fantasy offers a third possibility to organizational members, which amounts to neither conformity nor rebellion, but to a grudging material acceptance accompanied by a symbolic refashioning of events and official stor ies. Far from being a marginal terrain, it is suggested that the unmanaged organisation is rich, multidimensional and the natural habitat of subjectivity. Four different modes of subjectivity are identified and discussed in connection with different types of organizational narratives: (1) the subject as hero; (2) the subject as heroic survivor; (3) the subject as victim; (4) the subject as object of love.