Hv. Savitch, REORGANIZATION IN 3 CITIES - EXPLAINING THE DISPARITY BETWEEN INTENDED ACTIONS AND UNANTICIPATED CONSEQUENCES, Urban affairs review, 29(4), 1994, pp. 565-595
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.