Intuition vs. deduction: Some thought experiments concerning Likert's linking-pin theory of organization

Abstract

The implications of the overlapping, hierarchical (linking-pin) structure proposed by Likert (1961, 1967) were evaluated through the use of “thought experiments” (Davis, 1980; Davis & Kerr, 1986); i.e., using formal models to logically deduce the potential implications of theoretical assumptions. A series of computer simulations, based on Social Decision Scheme theory (Davis, 1973), were used to test the notion that Likert's linking-pin organizational structure would lead to greater and more accurate upward communication flow. The simulation results indicated that the successive decision processes implied in the Linking-Pin model can, under some conditions, lead to systematic distortions in the representation of lower-level preferences and opinions at the higher levels of decision-making. Assuming a majority decision process, the distortions tend to underemphasize minority views. In addition, results indicated that the degree of minority/majority segregation at different organizational levels also affects the degree to which lower-level preferences are accurately represented at higher organizational levels. Finally, there is a discussion of the implications of these results, and of the thought experiment approach in general, for organizational theory and research.