Investigation into the Relationship between Strategic Decision Making and theOrganizational Structure of Major United States Air Force Logistics Organizations

摘要

This research investigated the relationship between the organizational structureand strategic decision making process of major USAF logistics organizations. The change in aircraft maintenance concept was the context for the investigation. The research methodology was based on a model in the literature. Data collection was done using a mail survey to senior USAF logisticians. The survey data centralization and formal integration--an two decision making factors--rationality and assertiveness. The factors and variables were tested in correlation and regression analyses. The models that best explained the variance were used to test the hypotheses. The results indicated structure and decision making are related. The structural dimensions of formalization and integration correlated with the decision making attributes of rationality and assertiveness. The centralization dimension appeared to be influenced by external factors. USAF logistics organizations were shown to use liaison devices to a greater extent the respondents in the base model. Air Force logistics organizations also tend to take a proactive stance and use bargaining in its decision making. Keywords: Decision making; Organizational behavior; Organization management; Aircraft maintenance, Theses. (SDW)