Problematizing fit and survival: transforming the law of requisite variety through complexity misalignment

Article


Poulis, K. and Poulis, E. 2016. Problematizing fit and survival: transforming the law of requisite variety through complexity misalignment. Academy of Management Review. 41 (3), pp. 503-527. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2014.0073
TypeArticle
TitleProblematizing fit and survival: transforming the law of requisite variety through complexity misalignment
AuthorsPoulis, K. and Poulis, E.
Abstract

The law of requisite variety is widely employed in management theorizing and is linked with core strategy themes such as contingency and fit. We reflect upon requisite variety as an archetypal borrowed concept. We contrast its premises with insights from the institutional literature and commitment literature, draw propositions that set boundaries to its applicability, and review the ramifications of what we call “complexity misalignment.” In this way we contradict foundational assumptions of the law, problematize adaptation- and survival-centric views of strategizing, and theorize the role of human agency in variously complex regimes.

PublisherAcademy of Management
JournalAcademy of Management Review
ISSN0363-7425
Electronic1930-3807
Publication dates
Online17 Jul 2015
Print01 Jul 2016
Publication process dates
Deposited30 Sep 2019
Accepted17 Jul 2015
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2014.0073
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84976259007
Web of Science identifierWOS:000379227600006
LanguageEnglish
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