ORGANIZATION THEORY AND THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF TRANSIT AGENCIES. ABRIDGMENT

Relationships between structural and performance variables were studied in 16 public transit organizations in California. Data were collected from archives, personal interviews, management surveys, and on-site observations. Statistical analyses focus on associations between structural variables and organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and employee commitment. Organization size, span of control, centralization, and length of managerial tenure were all associated with higher levels of organizational performance. Specialization and formalization were found to be associated with lower levels of performance on certain efficiency and effectiveness indicators. (Author)