A field study of intergroup integration in technology-based organizations

Abstract Technology-based organizations depend on their ability to identify and respond quickly to changing market, technology, and environmental circumstances. These organizations find that the efficient and effective integration of groups and resources is necessary to perform the activities of general environmental awareness and rapid internal response. Unfortunately, many large technology-based organizations experience difficulties with their ability to integrate internally. This research reports the results of a study based on 86 field interviews with department heads and project managers in mature, technology organizations who regularly interact with other functional groups in carrying out their responsibilities. The results of the study include information about the major causes of intergroup problems; the differences and conditions encountered in highly important, yet difficult or easy functional relations; and internal contextual factors shaping an organization's intergroup relations. Several managerial and research implications are provided.

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