Multiplying the Division of Labour: Functional Differentiation of the Next Key Variables in Management Research

Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Vol. 34, No. 2, Forthcoming DOI: 10.1002/sres.2452

15 Pages Posted: 27 Mar 2017

See all articles by Steffen Roth

Steffen Roth

Excelia Business School; Kazimieras Simonavičius University

Augusto Sales

FGV EBAPE; Kazimieras Simonavicius University

Jari Kaivo-Oja

Turku School of Economics & Business Administration

Date Written: March 25, 2017

Abstract

In this article, we draw on theories of social differentiation to show that functional differentiation is not about the division of work and organization, but rather about a multiplication of horizons for decision-making. We argue that a systematic management of functional differentiation makes organizations smarter and more flexible. We corroborate this claim by demonstrations of how a functional approach to functional differentiation facilitates the design of new or the further development of well-established management tools and research agendas in fields such as entrepreneurship, strategy, and human resource management.

Keywords: Functional Differentiation, Social Theory, Management Theory, Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Human Resource Management

JEL Classification: M10, M14, L26

Suggested Citation

Roth, Steffen and Sales, Augusto and Kaivo-Oja, Jari, Multiplying the Division of Labour: Functional Differentiation of the Next Key Variables in Management Research (March 25, 2017). Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Vol. 34, No. 2, Forthcoming DOI: 10.1002/sres.2452, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2940648

Steffen Roth (Contact Author)

Excelia Business School ( email )

102 rue de Coureilles
Les Minimes
La Rochelle, 17024
France

Kazimieras Simonavičius University ( email )

Dariaus ir Girėno g. 21
Vilnius, 02189
Lithuania

Augusto Sales

FGV EBAPE ( email )

Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
+55 21 971469724 (Phone)

HOME PAGE: http://hexplan.me

Kazimieras Simonavicius University ( email )

Dariaus ir Girėno g. 21
Vilnius, 02189
Lithuania

HOME PAGE: http://https://next.ksu.lt/

Jari Kaivo-Oja

Turku School of Economics & Business Administration ( email )

Rehtorinpellonkat 3
FIN-20500 Turku
Finland

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