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 (AOM)
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
Permalink -

https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/887xw

Download files


Accepted author manuscript
  • 53
    total views
  • 64
    total downloads
  • 1
    views this month
  • 1
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

The consequentiality of absences in social settings: a sensemaking perspective
Poulis, K. 2024. The consequentiality of absences in social settings: a sensemaking perspective. Sociology. https://doi.org/10.1177/00380385241263810
Justificative conformity in ontologically ring-fenced fields: problematizing the scholarly nomenclature in qualitative studies
Poulis, K. and Christodoulou, I. 2024. Justificative conformity in ontologically ring-fenced fields: problematizing the scholarly nomenclature in qualitative studies. Marketing Theory. https://doi.org/10.1177/14705931241230046
Standardization and adaptation as a coconstituted process: the pursuit of relational fit in international markets
Poulis, K. 2024. Standardization and adaptation as a coconstituted process: the pursuit of relational fit in international markets. Journal of International Marketing. 32 (2), pp. 12-32. https://doi.org/10.1177/1069031X231212414
On theorizing and methodological fetishism
Poulis, K. and Kastanakis, M. 2020. On theorizing and methodological fetishism. European Management Journal. 38 (5), pp. 676-683. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.EMJ.2020.06.006
Complexity as an empirical tendency: promoting non-measurement as a means to enhanced understanding
Poulis, K. 2021. Complexity as an empirical tendency: promoting non-measurement as a means to enhanced understanding. European Management Journal. 39 (4), pp. 487-496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emj.2020.10.005
Agentic misfit: an empirical demonstration of non-matching human agency amid complexity
Poulis, K., Poulis, E. and Jackson, P. 2021. Agentic misfit: an empirical demonstration of non-matching human agency amid complexity. Organization Studies. 42 (10), pp. 1603-1627. https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840620944552
Value migration: digitalization of shipping as a mechanism of industry dethronement
Poulis, K., Galanakis, G., Triantafillou, G. and Poulis, E. 2020. Value migration: digitalization of shipping as a mechanism of industry dethronement. Journal of Shipping and Trade. 5 (1), pp. 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41072-020-00064-0
Punctuated epistemology in international marketing strategy: a Whiteheadian remedy
Poulis, K. 2020. Punctuated epistemology in international marketing strategy: a Whiteheadian remedy. Marketing Theory. 20 (3), pp. 363-384. https://doi.org/10.1177/1470593119897938
International business as disciplinary tautology: An ontological perspective
Poulis, K. and Poulis, E. 2018. International business as disciplinary tautology: An ontological perspective. Academy of Management Perspectives. 32 (4), pp. 517-531. https://doi.org/10.5465/amp.2017.0050
The role of context in case study selection: An international business perspective
Poulis, K., Poulis, E. and Plakoyiannaki, E. 2013. The role of context in case study selection: An international business perspective. International Business Review. 22 (1), pp. 304-314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2012.04.003
The influence of intra-national cultural heterogeneity on product standardisation and adaptation: a qualitative study
Poulis, K. and Poulis, E. 2013. The influence of intra-national cultural heterogeneity on product standardisation and adaptation: a qualitative study. International Marketing Review. 30 (4), pp. 357-383. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMR-03-2012-0047
Multicultural markets and acculturation: implications for service firms
Poulis, K., Poulis, E. and Yamin, M. 2013. Multicultural markets and acculturation: implications for service firms. Journal of Services Marketing. 27 (7), pp. 515-525. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSM-02-2012-0041
Polyethnic market orientation and performance: a fast-moving consumer goods perspective
Poulis, K. and Poulis, E. 2012. Polyethnic market orientation and performance: a fast-moving consumer goods perspective. Journal of Marketing Management. 28 (5-6), pp. 609-628. https://doi.org/10.1080/0267257X.2011.558380
Domestic firms competing with multinational enterprises: The relevance of resource-accessing alliance formations
Poulis, K., Yamin, M. and Poulis, E. 2012. Domestic firms competing with multinational enterprises: The relevance of resource-accessing alliance formations. International Business Review. 21 (4), pp. 588-601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibusrev.2011.07.003