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
| Type | Article |
|---|---|
| Title | Problematizing fit and survival: transforming the law of requisite variety through complexity misalignment |
| Authors | Poulis, 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. |
| Publisher | Academy of Management (AOM) |
| Journal | Academy of Management Review |
| ISSN | 0363-7425 |
| Electronic | 1930-3807 |
| Publication dates | |
| Online | 17 Jul 2015 |
| 01 Jul 2016 | |
| Publication process dates | |
| Deposited | 30 Sep 2019 |
| Accepted | 17 Jul 2015 |
| Output status | Published |
| Accepted author manuscript | |
| Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2014.0073 |
| Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-84976259007 |
| Web of Science identifier | WOS:000379227600006 |
| Language | English |
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