Structural configurations in a financial service industry.
Pleshko, Larry P. ; Mohammad, Ali Husain
ABSTRACT
The paper presents an investigation of the strategic profiles of
three structural configurations in a sample of executives at financial
services firms. In particular, the authors investigate how the
firm's in each structural configuration differ in regards strategy,
performance, environmental perceptions, and their structural dimensions.
Findings indicate that, for nearly every strategic variable, the order
from high to low is generally high-structure firms, followed by
mixed-structure firms, and then low-structure firms. High structure
firms are characterized as larger firms which are aggressive marketers,
market-oriented focusing on competitors, showing high levels of
perceived performance and adaptability, as well as lower yet acceptable
ROI. By definition, the high-structure firms exhibit high levels across
all the structural dimensions. On the other hand, low-structure firms
are shown to be smaller firms which are passive marketers with less
focus on competitors, showing lower levels of perceived performance and
adaptability, but higher levels of ROI. Again, by definition,
low-structure firms exhibit low levels on all the structural dimensions.
The profile of mixed-structure firms are in-between both categories.
INTRODUCTION
For many decades, researchers have studied the various constructs
which comprise the strategic nature of organizations and how these
constructs interrelate (Chandler 1962, Rumelt 1974, Hall & Saias
1980, Mintzberg 1979). However, an area that has been neglected within
this body of research is the examination of the specific structural
configurations implemented by firms, as well as how these structural
configurations are related to strategy, performance, and environmental
factors pertaining to the firm. Most research related to organizational
structure focuses on the design, or dimensions, of the company (c.f.
Miller 1988). But, rarely does a study investigate the overall
structural design, which may be even more relevant than the specifics of
the dimensionality (Mahajan & Vakharia 1990, Porter 1980).
The problem with focusing on the dimensions of an organization
rather than on the overall structural design is that researchers are
required to formulate a myriad of oftentimes contradictory multivariate
hypotheses (Shani 1994). Any coherent theme(s) may be obscured by the
simple task of interpreting numerous oftentimes different findings
related to the dimensions of structure. An even more serious shortcoming
of this approach is that reality is oftentimes not expressed in terms of
linear relationships.
Additionally, contingency theory suggests that the levels of
structural dimensions, as well as there relationships with other
strategic firm characteristics, will depend on the context in which they
occur (c.f. Ruekert et al 1985). For example, the centralization of
power may correlate positively with innovation in small organizations
pursuing a stable task, while the same relationship may be reversed in
high-technology firms, where experts are often given broad freedoms to
accomplish their goals (Miller 1983). Therefore, structural
relationships cannot be divorced from their context. So the 'few
variables at a time' alternative of relating strategy to structure
may be cumbersome, as well as conceptually inaccurate at times.
It is therefore likely that the dimensions of organizational
structure cohere within common configurations, as do those of strategy
(c.f. Miles & Snow 1985). If true, then the task of relating the
characteristics of the firm to the details of structure will be much
simpler. In particular, commonalities across the structural dimensions
may accurately reflect the idea of broad structural configurations. The
purpose of this paper follows from these ideas and is twofold: (a) to
determine if a coherent broad structural configuration is evident and
(b) to examine empirically the strategic differences among the
structural configurations in areas such as performance or strategy. A
sample of executives at financial services firms is selected as the
target to study. Firms are grouped into three structural configurations
based on the specific structural dimensions: (i) low-structural form,
(ii) mixed-structural form, and (iii) high-structural form. Then the
profiles of these configurations are examined.
STRUCTURAL FORM
Numerous structural characteristics are common in the literature.
However, four major structural dimensions are prevalent: (1)
formalization, (2) integration, (3) centralization and (4) complexity
(c.f. Child 1974, Ford 1977, Fry 1982, Dalton et al 1980, Hall 1977, Van
de Ven 1976, Fredrickson 1986, Miller & Droge 1986, Miller 1987,
Miller 1988). Centralization refers to the degree to which the right to
make decisions and control activities is concentrated (Fredrickson
1986). In other words, a high degree of centralization within an
organization means that the critical decisions are made at the top
management level. Formalization can be defined as the extent to which an
organization uses rules and procedures to prescribe behavior such as the
details on how, where, and by whom tasks are to be performed
(Fredrickson 1986). Formalization restricts the activities of employees
to those proscribed in advance. Complexity describes the many, usually
interrelated, parts of an organization (Fredrickson 1986). This includes
the number of hierarchical levels, the span of control, or the
geographical dispersion of operating sites, among others. Structural
integration refers to the coordination of activities among the different
specializations within the firm (Miller 1987). Highly integrated firms
allow contacts between the experts within each department and also with
the top level decision-makers.
Porter (1980) claims that organizations require a high degree
across all of the structural dimensions in order to implement generic
strategies. Thus, the use of consistent structural configurations may
lead to better performance. Mahajan and Vakharia (1990) support this
empirically in a dynamic environment, where higher performing firms are
found to have constant or similar levels across all or most of the
structural characteristics. Thus, it may be that the structural
configuration plays a significant role in an organization's
performance. In other words, perhaps the driver of performance is not
the structural dimensions (formalization, integration, etc.)
independently, but rather the combination of structural
dimensions--referred to as "structural configuration". For
this study, three broad structural configurations are possible from
which firms might choose: (1) an organic firm: a low-structure, (2) a
mechanistic firm: a high-structure, or (3) a hybrid firm: a
mixed-structure configuration. Firms implementing a low-structure
internal environment will exhibit lower levels across all the structural
dimensions than other firms. Firms implementing a high-structure
internal environment will exhibit higher levels across all the
structural dimensions than other firms. Finally, a mixed-structure firm
will show a variety of levels of structural dimensions versus other
firms.
OUTCOMES OF STRUCTURAL FORM
Firms with a high-structural configuration (the more mechanistic
firms), are said to be more controlling of decision making than other
firms, especially the low-structure firms (the more organic firms).
Those firms exhibiting a mixed-structure (the hybrids), are most likely
the most adaptive firms as they design the structural configuration to
match the demands of the market environment. The strategic differences
among these configurations have not been extensively delineated and they
will now be addressed regarding the general relationships to other
characteristics of the firm.
The relationship between organizational structure and performance
can best be summarized as inconsistent, since the relationships between
key structural dimensions and performance is not strongly supported
(Dalton et al 1980). The findings on the associations of integration,
centralization, complexity, and formalization to performance do not
offer a consistent pattern, oftentimes being positive and other times
being negative (c.f. Miller 1988, Dalton et al. 1980, Nwachukwu &
Tsalikis 1990). Argument for the positive relationship between high
levels of structure and performance stems from the fact that high
degrees of formalization contribute to the reduction of role ambiguity
and role conflict. Reducing these work stress factors results in
increases in related employees attitudes (job satisfaction,
organizational commitment, turnover, absenteeism, etc.), and eventually
firm performance. Recent studies reveal that corporate boards believe
centralized strategic guidance by skilled top management teams produces
higher firm performance than widely dispersed management teams (Phan
2000). However, firms with more complex structures are generally found
to be better performers, thus, suggesting that maybe not always will the
more mechanistic firms be better performers.
Although the inconsistency of the impact of structural dimensions
on performance is accepted, it is widely known that specific structural
characteristics do indeed influence performance in some way (Miller
1988). In particular, it may be that the 'fit' between
organizational structure and organizational strategy is the key criteria
in a given situation (c.f. Venkatraman 1989, Miller 1986). Miller (1988)
finds that integration and formalization are relevant for performance
for specific strategic types. Therefore, it may be that certain
structural dimensions must be present with given strategies in order for
the firm to achieve high performance levels (Zeffane 1989). This would
suggest that a 'fit' or, alternatively, an interaction between
strategy and structure is relevant to performance. Regardless of the
explanation, in many cases the benefits of highly structured firms and
programs (i.e. TQM, ISO 9000) are apparent for management continuity,
quality, and innovation, eventually resulting in improved performance
(Shah 2000, Aiken & Hage 1971).
The relationship between structural configuration and environmental
perceptions seem to be dependent on environmental uncertainty. The
literature on structure and environment indicate that organizations are
most effective when their overall design characteristics match or fit
with the environment and the levels of uncertainty (Doty et al 1993,
Miller 1986, Ruekert et al 1985). Specifically, the more scarce,
dynamic, and complex is the environment, then the more organic (low
structure) the recommended firm structure. Similarly, the more abundant,
stable, and simple is the environment, then the more mechanistic (high
structure) should be the structural configuration.
The relationship of structural configuration to marketing factors
is not well defined in the literature (c.f. Ruekert et al 1985).
Research to date suggests that formalization and centralization, as well
as departmentalization, are inversely related to information
utilization, which is important for marketing programs (Deshpande &
Zaltman 1982, Hage & Aiken 1970). Therefore, it appears that
formalization and centralization are inversely related to an
organization's responsiveness: more formalized and centralized
firms are slower to react to market changes or opportunities. We might
expect the more mechanistic firms to be less market-oriented. However,
there is reason to believe that the more mechanistic organizational
structures may actually result in increased market-orientations. Firms
which are more highly structured may more often have the required
resources (and personnel) to implement the systems necessary to be truly
market-oriented with long-term focus on customers and competitors and
attention to the dynamics of the market environment. This may be
important because a critical factor pertinent to a market-orientation is
the integration of marketing thought throughout the firm--something
requiring systems and policies to accomplish (Narver & Slater 1990).
The relationship of structural configuration to innovation, and
marketing initiative or leadership, is better understood. Zaltman et al.
(1973) draw on numerous studies to argue that organizational dimensions
such as formalization, centralization, and departmentalization may have
undesirable effects on the planning stages of innovative behavior: more
highly structured firms are less innovative. However, the innovative
activities may be more successful once implemented under a more
mechanistic structure. Therefore, we might expect higher levels of
marketing initiative or leadership to be associated with any of the
three structural configurations, depending on the innovative activity
under investigation. But again, due to the requirements that marketing
systems are in place in order for marketing activities to be successful,
it may be that more highly structured firms are more supportive of these
types of activities.
INDUSTRY/SAMPLE DESCRIPTION
In the financial services industry, credit union executives are the
target of the survey. Data for the study are gathered from a statewide
survey in Florida of all the credit unions belonging to the Florida
Credit Union League (FCUL). Membership in the FCUL represents nearly 90%
of all Florida credit unions and includes 325 firms. A single mailing
was directed to the president of each credit union, all of whom were
asked by mail in advance to participate. A four-page questionnaire and a
cover letter, using a summary report as inducement, were included in
each mailing. Of those responding, 92% were presidents and 8% were
marketing directors. This approach yielded one hundred and twenty-five
useable surveys, a 38.5% response rate. A Chi-squared test of the
respondents versus the sampling frame indicates that the responding
credit unions are significantly different from the membership firms
based on asset size (Chi-sq=20.73, df=7, p<.01). Further analysis of
the sample indicates that the smaller asset groups are
under-represented.
MEASURES
Structural configuration (STRUCFN) is derived from the relevant
dimensions of organizational structure, including formalization,
integration, centralization, and complexity. Then, the configuration
indictor used in the analysis is derived from these four dimensional
measures. The firms' structural characteristics are measured using
a twelve-item instrument ranging from [1] true to [5] not true.
Respondents are asked to circle the number which best describes their
firm in regards questions such as: "decision making is highly
controlled". From these twelve items the three possible structural
forms of firms is derived, as follows: (i) High-Structure, (ii)
Low-Structure, and (iii) Mixed-Structure. The twelve structure variables
are subjected to a factor analysis using principal factors followed by a
varimax rotation. One of the twelve items was eliminated due to
inconsistent loading, leaving eleven items. This analysis resulted in
three dimensions explaining 60% of the original variance: (1)
formalization (FORM)--four items, (2) integration (INTE) -three items,
and (3) centralization and complexity combined (CNCM)--four items.
Summated scales are used for each of the three components to derive
overall indicators of the structural dimensions themselves. Reliability,
as measured by coefficient alpha is as follows: .791 for formalization,
.696 for centrality/complexity, and .642 for integration.
In order to assign firms to the three structural groups (Low,
Mixed, High), first a median split is used to divide each of the
individual structural dimensions into high and low categories. Thus,
each of the one-hundred nineteen useable respondent firms is now
classified as having either high or low levels of formalization, high or
low levels of integration, and high or low levels of
centralization/complexity. The structural configuration indicator
(STRUCFN) is then derived in the following manner. Firms which exhibit
high levels across all of the structural dimensions are categorized as
High-Structure (26%, n=31/119). Firms which exhibit low levels across
all of the structural dimensions are categorized as Low-Structure (15%,
n=18/119). Firms which exhibit inconsistent levels across the structural
dimensions are categorized as Mixed-Structure (59%, n=70/119).
Firm Size is included as another relevant structural
characteristic, as it may oftentimes be viewed as a proxy for many other
organizational characteristics (c.f. Hall et al 1967). In particular,
asset size (ASIZE) is the indicator used to represent size of the credit
unions. Firms are self-classified by marking the box next to the
appropriate asset size category and then ASIZE is estimated from the
categories. The size of each credit union is estimated to be the
midpoint of the category. This should arrive at an acceptable estimate
when accumulated over the entire sample. ASIZE, therefore, has a
possible range from $250,000 to $50,000,000, a mean of $18,000,000, and
a standard deviation of $17,121,020.
Marketing initiative, or aggressiveness, is conceptualized as
inclusive of six relevant areas related to marketing strategy: products,
advertising campaigns or other promotions, pricing changes, distribution
ideas, technology, and markets (Heiens et al 2004, Pleshko et al 2002).
Respondents are asked to evaluate on a scale from [1] not true to [5]
true whether their firm is 'always the first' to take action
regarding the six items. A principle axis factor analysis indicates the
six items load highly on a single factor explaining approximately 67.9%
of the original variance in the items. An overall indicator of strategic
marketing initiative (SMI) is constructed by summing the six items, with
a possible range from six to thirty. A reliability estimate is found to
be .902 using coefficient alpha. SMI has a mean of 13.72 and a standard
deviation of 5.72.
Market-orientation is defined as a firm's perspective towards
its market environment and, in particular, towards its customers and
competitors and the variable items are adapted from previous research
(Pleshko & Heiens 2000, Narver & Slater 1990). Respondents are
asked to evaluate their firm's efforts in the marketplace on a
scale form [1] not true to [5] true. The seven items are subjected to a
factor analysis using principal axis factoring followed by a varimax
rotation. The analysis resulted in two components, three for competitor
orientation and four for customer orientation, explaining 69.7% of the
original variance. Summated scales were used to represent each of the
two components: customer-focus (CUSTO) and competitor-focus (COMPO).
CUSTO and COMPO have a possible range from four to twenty-eight. The
reliability of the scales, as measured by coefficient alpha was:
customer-focus--.834 and competitor-focus--.789. An overall indicator of
market orientation (MARKO) is also created by adding the two components,
as in previous empirical efforts (Narver & Slater 1990). CUSTO has a
mean of 7.87 and a standard deviation of 2.13. COMPO has a mean of 13.52
and a standard deviation of 3.61. Finally, MARKO, the sum of the two
dimensions, has a mean of 31.38 and a standard deviation of 4.51.
Regarding firm performance, both market share and profitability
indicators are included in the study. In addition, both perceptual and
accounting variables are included as well, which should alleviate some
of the problems associated with each type of measure (Venkatraman &
Ramanujam 1986, Rueckert et al 1985, Keats & Hitt 1988, Frazier
& Howell 1983). It is also possible that objective measures may lead
to different results than perceptual measures (c.f. Kirca et al 2005).
Also, market share and profits are two distinct goals, each with their
own demands on the firm. The inclusion of both objectives in the study
should greatly add to the findings, especially since different
strategies may affect share but not profits, or vice versa (c.f. Kirca
et al 2005).
The accounting indicators of performance, ROI and ROA are derived
from government-mandated accounting reports. The ROA variable has a
range from 0% to 5%, a mean of 2.20%, and a standard deviation of 0.98.
The ROI variable has a range from 1% to 17%, a mean of 7.77%, and a
standard deviation of 2.26.
For the perceptual performance indicators of market share and
profit, ten items are included on the instrument as described below. The
ten items are subjected to a principle axis factor analysis, followed by
a varimax rotation. This procedure results in two distinct dimensions
explaining 66.4% of the original variance in the ten items. The items
load as expected with one dimension representing perceived profits and
the other representing perceived market share. Perceptual market share
(PSHARE) is a perceptual indicator measured using a five-item scale,
ranging from [1] poor to [5] excellent, as regards five baselines of
market share: (1) vs. competitors, (2) vs. goals/expectations, (3) vs.
previous years, (4) vs. firm potential, and (5) growth. The overall
indicator of market share performance, PSHARE, is constructed by summing
the five. A reliability of .872 is found using coefficient alpha. PHARE
ranges from five to twenty-five with a mean of 14.64 and a standard
deviation of 3.56. The perceptual indicator of profits (PPROF) is
derived from five questions. In particular, respondents are asked about
their profit performance on a scale from [1] poor to [5] excellent,
relative to five profitability baselines: [1] vs. competitors, [2] vs.
goals/expectations, [3] vs. previous years, [4] vs. firm potential, and
[5] growth. An overall indicator of PPROF is constructed by summing the
five items. A reliability of .870 is found using coefficient alpha.
PPROF ranges from five to twenty-five with a mean of 16.06 and a
standard deviation of 4.35.
Additionally, a single-item indicator of perceived adaptability
(PADAPT) is included. Adaptability is said to have an impact on other
aspects of firm performance (c.f. McKee et al 1989). Adaptability is
measured using a single-item scale ranging from [1] poor to [5]
excellent, as regards a firms adaptations made to the changing
environment over the past year. PADAPT has a possible range from one to
five, a mean of 3.29, and a standard deviation of 0.91.
One indicator related to the firm's perceptions of the
external environment is included: Environmental Dynamism (DYNA). The
environmental construct is described as the amount of change occurring
in an industry environment (Miller 1988; Achrol et al 1983). The
respondents are asked to evaluate their perceptions of the environment
on a bipolar scale from [1] to [7] across three items representing
dynamism: stable/unstable, variable/not variable, and volatile/not
volatile. A factor analysis using principal axis factoring followed by a
varimax rotation is performed. The three items load on one dimension
explaining 58.7% of the original variance. A summated scale is
constructed for DYNA with a reliability of .639 using coefficient alpha.
DYNA has a possible range from three to fifteen, a mean of 7.35, and a
standard deviation of 2.43.
ANALYSIS/RESULTS
Averages are calculated on all the strategic indicators, for each
of the three structural groups. This is followed by an analysis of
variance to determine significant differences. If differences are
evident, as noted with the 'p'-values, then a post-hoc test
using least-squared differences is performed. These post-hoc contrasts
are noted to be significant only if they exhibit a 'p'-value
of .05 or less. Table 1 exhibits the means, test statistics, and
summarizes the findings for each group and each variable.
As noted in the table regarding structural indicators, all three of
the structure dimensions show significantly different levels across the
groups. However, since the structural configuration was based on the
four dimensions, it is expected that the three groups will exhibit
significant differences--and it is so. All three, formalization (FORM,
p=.000), centralization and complexity (CNCM, P=.000), and integration
(INTE, p=.000), show similar significant differences in structural
dimensions with high-structure firms exhibiting larger levels than
mixed-structure firms, which have higher levels than low-structure
firms. Note also structurally that high-structure firms are
significantly larger than mixed-structure firms, which are again larger
than the low-structure firms. Large firms have an average asset size of
$31.9M, while the small firms have an average size of only $6.8M: a very
significant difference. Even the mixed-form firms are barely half the
size of the high-structure firms.
As noted in the table regarding strategy indicators, three of the
four constructs show significantly different levels across the groups.
For marketing initiative or aggressiveness (SMI, p=.000), high-structure
firms display significantly more initiative than either mixed-structure
of low-structure firms, while mixed-structure firms have a higher level
of initiative than the low-structure firms. For overall market
orientation (MARKO, p=.012), the low-structure firms are significantly
less market oriented than the other firms. This market orientation
difference is based on the level of competitor-focus (COMPO, p=.000)
implemented by the firms, with the low-structure firms displaying
significantly lower levels of competitor-focus than do the other firms.
The table also reveals that the groups differ on perceived
performance as well, with four of the five indicators exhibiting
significant differences. For the perceptual indicators, the results are
the same: high-structure firms are the better performers in regards
profits (PPROF, p=.010), share (PSHARE, p=.000), and adaptability
(PADAPT, p=.000). However, the accounting indicators of percentage
returns reveal a different story. No differences are found for ROA
(p=.217). But, the low-structure firms show better returns on investment
(ROI, p=.009) than other firms and the high-structure firms the lowest
ROI, an interesting finding.
Finally, no differences are shown for the perceptions of the
external environment (DYNA, p=.191). All three structural configurations
seem to have similar evaluations of the environment in which they
operate.
DISCUSSION/IMPLICATIONS
The primary purpose of this research is to investigate whether
broad structural configurations are evident in the financial services
industry and to determine if important strategic differences exist in
regards other relevant characteristics of the firm. The statistics
reveal that most firms implement a hybrid configuration (a mixed
structural form), with the mechanistic (high structural form) and the
organic (low structural form) configurations evident in much smaller
proportions. The results show that these configurations are
significantly different across all four of the main structural
dimensions, as expected by definition. The results also show that these
broad structural configurations are highly related to other
characteristics of the firm.
Most characteristics of the firm in this study show important
differences across the configurations. Where differences exist, except
for ROI, the high-structure firms show higher levels on the strategic
constructs than the lesser-structured firms. Also, in most cases the
mixed-structure firms exhibit higher levels on the strategic constructs
than low-structure firms, except for ROI and perceptual profits. Note no
differences are found between the groups regarding environmental
perceptions, ROA, and customer orientation.
These findings suggest that firms implementing a mechanistic or
highly-structural form, characterized by high levels across all the
structural dimensions, are better performers in services industries than
other firms, unless the main goal is percentage returns. If returns are
the primary focus, then the lesser-structured, more organic form might
be the better choice. A hybrid or mixed-structural form might also be
acceptable in either case, but with lesser perceived and/or accounting
performance. But, regarding performance levels, the low-structure form
seems to definitely be the lesser performers, except for ROI, at least
on the constructs of this investigation.
In regards marketing efforts, the low-structured firms are
definitely less market-oriented and aggressive. However, this may
actually contribute to the better percentage returns when compared to
other firms. Since low-structure firms do not invest large sums of money
and effort into activities related to market leadership, it may be
possible that this lower investment level leads to better performance.
Possibly, being a follower firm in the financial services industry is an
acceptable form of competitive strategy.
CONCLUSIONS/LIMITATIONS
The paper studies executives from financial services firms to
determine if the strategic profiles differ based on the structural
configuration of the firm. In particular, the authors investigate how
the firm's in each structural configuration differ in regards
strategy, performance, environmental perceptions, and their structural
dimensions. Three possible configurations are identified from four
dimensions of structure: (i) low-structural form, (ii) mixed-structural
form, and (iii) high-structural form. Findings indicate that, for nearly
every strategic variable, the order from high to low is generally
high-structure firms, followed by mixed-structure firms, and then
low-structure firms. The one major exception is that low-structure firms
show better ROI than other firms. High structure firms are generally
characterized as being aggressive marketers that are market-oriented
focusing on competitors, and showing high levels of perceived
performance and adaptability. By definition, the high-structure firms
exhibit high levels across all the structural dimensions. On the other
hand, low-structure firms are passive marketers with less focus on
competitors, while showing lower levels of perceived performance and
adaptability, but higher returns. Again, by definition, low-structure
firms exhibit low levels on all the structural dimensions. The profile
of mixed-structure firms are in-between both categories. It appears that
firms wishing to achieve better returns might opt for the
low-structure/follower strategy, while other firms wishing for higher
market shares or perceived profitability or adaptability opt for a
high-structural form. A mixed-structural form is always an option for a
middle, safe place in the market.
Caution should be used when generalizing this study to other firms,
whether in products or services industries. There several limitations to
the conclusions based on the methodology of the study. First, as
mentioned previously, conclusions might not be as applicable to smaller
firms as to medium and large sized firms. Second, one-shot studies
during a single time period are often myopic when investigating
strategies. Hatten et al (2004) find that the effects of strategies
evolve over time and that it is the implementation of the strategy which
is truly important, rather than the classification of the strategic
type. Thus, the differences among the structural configurations may be
different if measured at (a) an earlier or later time in the same manner
or (b) continuously over time. Also, more objective indicators of market
share may lead to other conclusions. In addition, the study should only
be cautiously generalized to other firms in the financial services
industry outside of credit unions. Credit unions exist in an environment
that is more protected than other financial institutions, such as banks,
and therefore any generalizations might be suspect. It is suggested that
future studies investigate this relationship in banks, savings &
loans, and other financial services industries. Future studies might
also apply this framework to products industries in both the
business-to-business and consumer products area to further test the
findings.
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Table 1: Structural Group Profiles
Variable / Group Low Mixed High F/[X.sup.2] 'p' Finding
Number 20 72 32
Structure
FORM (avg) 9.6 12.9 15.6 32.9 .000 H>M>L
CNCM (avg) 5.7 8.5 12.2 54.2 .000 H>M>L
INTE (avg) 7.4 11.6 14.1 31.6 .000 H>M>L
ASIZE (avg $M) 6.8 15.4 31.9 20.6 .000 H>M>L
Strategy
SMI (avg) 7.7 13.5 17.8 27.5 .000 H>M>L
CUSTO (avg) 18.0 17.8 17.7 0.06 .938
COMPO (avg) 10.7 13.8 14.5 8.54 .000 H,M>L
MARKO (avg) 28.7 31.6 32.3 4.63 .012 H,M>L
Performance
ROI (%) 9.3 7.5 7.3 4.98 .009 L>M,H
ROA (%) 2.4 2.2 1.9 1.55 .217
PPROF (avg) 14.0 15.8 17.7 4.79 .010 H>M,L
PSHARE (avg) 11.6 14.6 16.2 11.0 .000 H>M>L
PADAPT (avg) 2.4 3.3 3.6 16.0 .000 H>M>L
Environment
DYNA (avg) 7.5 7.6 6.6 1.67 .191