In a classic study conducted in the 1960s, Burns and Stalker ___.
A) identified three basic organizational forms: bureaucratic, mechanistic, and organic
B) developed conclusions that have been substantially refuted by later research
C) revealed that bureaucratic structures thrived when the environment was uncertain and changing
D) favoured organic over mechanistic forms
E) concluded that different organizational structures could be successful, depending on the nature of the firm's external environment

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Burns and Stalker concluded that different organizational structures could be successful depending on the nature of the firm's external environment. They found that in a rapidly changing and uncertain environment, organic structures (which are more flexible and adaptable) were more successful, while bureaucratic structures (which are rigid and inflexible) were more successful in a stable and certain environment. This study contributed to the development of contingency theory, which suggests that there is no one "best" way to structure an organization, and that the most effective structure depends on the specific situation and environment.

In a Classic Study Conducted in the 1960s, Burns and Stalker