NCJ Number
84656
Date Published
1982
Length
35 pages
Annotation
To show that structures affect policy requires a theoretical explanation of how structure affects relationships among other variables as they, in turn, influence performance.
Abstract
Structure influences ways that organizations transform resources into differing quantities, qualities, and mixes of output in diverse environments. Studies arguing that structure is unimportant are often based on inadequate theories. A study of the effects of fragmentation of local police departments on police performance found that local police delivered services more efficiently than larger departments, a finding contrary to other studies' findings. Further study shows that the structure of the police organization, measured by police agency size and jurisdiction, affects the balance between resource policies favored by citizens and those preferred by officers, resulting in greater citizen satisfaction with small jurisdictions where resource access is greatest and less in larger jurisidictions. Thus, structure altered the relationships among other variables. Study results, about 60 references, and endnotes are included.