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The antecedents of middle managers' strategic contribution: The case of a professional bureaucracy

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Stephen Proctor

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Abstract

Our study contributes towards a burgeoning literature that argues organizational performance is heavily influenced by what happens in the middle of the organization, rather than at the top. Examining the UK National Health Service, our study develops the work of Floyd and Wooldridge (1992, 1994, 1997, 2000). It utilizes role theory to conceptualize changing experiences of middle managers in organizations as a role transition. Associated with this are problems of role conflict and role ambiguity (Biddle, 1979, 1986; Biddle and Thomas, 1966; Kahn et al., 1964, 1966). Our study illustrates that there are limiting factors to a more strategic role for middle managers associated with the professional bureaucracy context. However, role conflict and ambiguity can be mediated by a socialization process, which values incoming identity and personal characteristics (Van Maanen and Schein, 1979). © Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2005.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Currie G, Procter SJ

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Management Studies

Year: 2005

Volume: 42

Issue: 7

Pages: 1325-1356

Print publication date: 01/11/2005

ISSN (print): 0022-2380

ISSN (electronic): 1467-6486

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6486.2005.00546.x

DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-6486.2005.00546.x

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