REORGANIZATION IN 3 CITIES - EXPLAINING THE DISPARITY BETWEEN INTENDED ACTIONS AND UNANTICIPATED CONSEQUENCES

The author compares urban reorganization over a period of three decade s in New York, Paris, and London, asking why reorganization produces u nanticipated consequences, how the process of reorganization can be un derstood, and, using cities as a type of organization, what can be lea rned about their behavior in comparative context. A model is presented that identifies the process and values of reorganization. This model illustrates that conflicting values often account for unanticipated co nsequences, that efforts to reconcile these values sometimes yield wor sening (undermining) effects, and that changes in organizational struc ture can be a powerful tool in shaping priorities.