Cross-Level Inference and Organizational Research: Perspectives on Interpretation and Application

In a discussion of the concept of cross-level inference as it relates to organizational research, emphasis is placed on a description of basic issues and multilevel analytical approaches related to cross-level concerns.A focused review is provided of several substantive organizational research areas for which multilevel logic is relevant. It is suggested that in certain areas-organizational climate, leadership, job design, and organizational properties-multilevel conceptualizations provide a more expansive, integrative perspective of organizational phenomena.