Power and Organization Life Cycles

1 April 1984

journal article
Published by Academy of Management in Academy of Management Review

Vol. 9 (2) , 207-224
https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.1984.4277632

Abstract

This paper derives a model of organization life cycles in three steps: (1) by considering relationships of power distribution inside an organization with that around it, a typology of six configurations of organization power is produced; (2) by considering intrinsic forces that work within each of these configurations to destroy it, the likely transitions between these configurations are identified; and (3) by stringing these transitions together in sequences over time as organizations survive and develop, the model is developed. Some implications of such a model in a society of large organizations are addressed briefly in conclusion.

Keywords

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