Model building of coordination theory: A review

Contingency theorists have developed the basic grammar of coordination theory around the relationship between coordination mechanisms and circumstance like uncertainty, interdependence, work unit size and functional diversity. Recently, conceptual and empirical studies have emerged that offer new opportunities in coordination theory, for instance structure-process modeling. Meanwhile, model building for coordination theory is difficult because modeling requires precise data, while coordination is dynamic and complex involving both behavioral and physical factors. This paper reviews the approaches to the qualitative analysis and quantitative modeling, and then suggests and discusses in detail four common research issues which are critical to the development of valuable theories in this research area. These are setting problem boundaries, collecting data, identifying resources and activities, and verifying the model.