Illinois Genetic Algorithms Laboratory

Yassine, A., Goldberg, D.E., Yu, T.-L. (2005)
TR No.: 2005015 | Download PDF | Download PS

Abstract:
This paper develops analytical models for analyzing hierarchical organizations, through the creation and use of little models of organizational interaction to balance the communication time within and between organizational hierarchies. Then it examines these theoretical models on the basis of a data set of 678 school systems in Texas. Analysis of the dataset suggests that, in general, simple models of hierarchy can help understand or compress empirical results. In articular, the communication time ratio (between and within hierarchies) and communication topology ratio are important factors in determining span of control. Furthermore, the school dataset shows that employees, on average, spend more time communicating with superiors compared to the time they spend communicating to other team members in the same hierarchy, while the communication topology is almost the same. The paper concludes by proposing a hypothetical managerial framework for characterizing different types of organizations (or industries) based on these ratios. This framework may help management better understand the appropriate communication time and topology depending on the type of organization.