Discussion

Abstract

The empirical test of hypotheses finds that four of the seven hypotheses are supported by the data whereas three hypotheses are not supported (Table 10). The outcome is consistent in the sense that the findings for different hypotheses do not logically contradict each other (Figure 63). For example, if size had been found to be positively related to specialization (H2), there would have been a logical contradiction with the other results. As specialization and task uncertainty are negatively related with each other (H4), and size and task uncertainty are not negatively but rather positively related (H5), size could not be positively related to specialization. Contradictions of this kind, however, are not part of the findings.⁸⁹

Such contradictions are not necessarily an indication of flawed results. They might be defendable with sound theoretical arguments. For example, Blau (1972: 7–10) found size to promote structural differentiation and to reduce the proportion of administrative personnel. He also discovered that structural differentiation increased the proportion of administrative personnel. As a result, the direct effect of size on administration was negative whereas the indirect effect via structural differentiation was positive. Blau (1972: 10–22) explained the phenomenon with functional differentiation and administrative hierarchy.