Levers of Organization Design: How Managers Use Accountability Systems for Greater Performance and Commitment

Technology and leadership issues often overshadow organization design, the accountability system defining responsibilities, roles, and rights. Simons (business administration, Harvard) presents a research-based framework based on "levers" that impact design decisions: unit structure, diagnostic control systems, interactive networks, and shared responsibilities. A diagram shows how these factors relate to customer definition, critical performance variables, creative tensions, and commitment to others. Chapters include case studies of his model in practice, checklists, and action step guides. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Robert Simons is the Charles M. Williams Professor of Business Administration in the Accounting & Control area at Harvard Business School.