Centralization in Female Organizations: Reassessing the Evidence

Abstract

This analysis examines the argument sometimes made that female predominance in complex organizations encourages centralization. Because of the attitudes and values as well as non-work commitments of women the organizations in which they participate, it is maintained, have limited staff involvement in the decision making process. But additional studies on work attitudes and labor force turnover suggest that sex may not have any significant influence on centralization. The paper suggests that the problem deserves more systematic study than thus far has been undertaken.