This project tests structural contingency theory as it applies to information technology in 72 white collar work groups. Strucxtural contingency theory states that an organization or organizational subunit tries to "fit" its technology to its existing structure and good fit between structure and technology increases effectiveness. Although structural contingency theory is usually treated as a static theory, it is implicitly dynamic: structure and technology continually change and adapt to each other and effectiveness may lag behind achievement of a good fit. Although widely used, structural contingency theory has not been applied to the study of information technology. In this research, 72 work groups will be studied twice, 8-10 months apart. Eighteeen computer-using work groups will be selected from each of four types of white collar work groups. Interviews of 60 to 75 minutes will be conducted with all members of the work groups, including the supervisors. Questions are designed to elicit information about structure, technology, fit, and effectiveness of the work group. A second set of 40 to 60 minute interviews 8 to 10 months later will provide information to test dynamic aspects of the theory. Data will test eight different models--six static and two dynamic--of structural contingency theory. The reseqrch is signifficant because it adds to our knowledge on how information technology can increase the efficiency of work and the quality of work life.
