Comparative Organizational Analysis: Sampling and Measurement

Both homogeneous & heterogeneous samples have been compared in organizational research, although some analysts doubt the value of theoretical generalization from analytical results. An examination of heterogeneous organizations (N = 65) of service, manufacturing, & professional types was conducted to test the generalizability of measures, using interview data from organizational chief executives, & employing 9 indicators of organizational structure to measure 3 theoretical concepts: differentiation, centralization, & formalization. A maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analysis was used. Findings confirmed the value of combining a number of indicators within a few theoretical concepts for purposes of generalization. 2 Tables, 1 Figure. D. Dunseath.