Date of Award
8-1983
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Educational Leadership
First Advisor
Dr. Uldis Smidchens
Second Advisor
Dr. Diane Petway
Third Advisor
Dr. Richard Munsterman
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects that six structural variables had upon the utilization of employees within an electric utility. Specifically the objectives were: (1) To investigate the relationship between the organizational level within an organization and work force utilization. (2) To determine whether a relationship exists between span of control and work force utilization. (3) To determine whether a relationship exists between line versus staff positions and work force utilization. (4) To investigate the relationship between organizational subunit size and work force utilization. (5) To investigate the relationship between centralized versus decentralized organizations and work force utilization. (6) To determine whether a relationship exists between blue-collar versus white-collar workers and work force utilization.
Work force utilization percentages were determined through the Industrial Engineering Technique of work sampling. Over 200,000 work sampling observations were taken of the personnel of 17 departments during a 12-month time period. Organizational structure data were determined through the use of corporate and departmental organizational charts.
Some of the findings of the study were: (a) no relationship was found to exist between work force utilization and the structural variables of organizational level, line versus staff, blue-collar versus white-collar, and centralized versus decentralized employees; and (b) a relationship was found to exist between work force utilization and the structural variables of span of control and subunit size.
In some instances, the data supported the majority of research conducted in this area; and in some instances, the data did not support previous studies. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations for future research and management practice were suggested.
Access Setting
Dissertation-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Keaton, Frederick M., "A Descriptive Study of Organizational Structure and Its Relationship to Employee Utilization in the Electric Utility Industry" (1983). Dissertations. 2452.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations/2452