Comments on Yammarino's “Levels of analysis and the US Constitution”: Organization theory beyond “the firm”

摘要

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to respond to Yammarino's “Levels of analysis and the US Constitution”. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a conceptual assessment of the approach of Yammarino, suggesting an extension beyond “the” organization to groups of interacting organizations – where much contemporary innovation, and indeed economic activity takes place. Findings – The paper advocates extending organization theory explicitly to embrace multi-firm and multi-organizational collaborations. “The firm” as an isolated entity is increasingly less meaningful without its constellation of affiliates, partners and networks. Practical implications – Organization theorists, and managers, would do well to extend their horizons to include networks and partners, to understand how “organizations” work beyond their nominal boundaries. Originality/value – The paper highlights an extension of organization theory to reflect contemporary inter-organizational cooperation.