@article{2020:bachmann:the_parado,
title = {The Paradox of Agility: Reduce Formalization? Introduce Formalization!},
year = {2020},
note = {Agile concepts become increasingly popular, given their ability to
adapt to a turbulent environment. Hence, they are implemented in
various organizations and industries. In this context, complete
flexibility and the abolition of formalization in terms of rules,
procedures, and instructions are often seen as the Holy Grail for
success. Having said this, the following article identifies a
paradoxical aspect of agility: The decrease of formalization of some
aspects goes along with an increase of formalization of other aspects.
Furthermore, we differentiate between two forms of formalization: a
coercive, agility hindering and an enabling, agility supporting
formalization. We state that in the case of agile adoption, the
reduction of coercive formalization leads to an increase in enabling
formalization. Building on insights from four case studies, we derive
five propositions regarding formalized aspects in the context of
agility. Then, we develop a model that links the type and level of
formalization to four different types of organizations.},
journal = {Die Unternehmung},
pages = {122--135},
author = {Bachmann, Miriam and Kurzmann, Anne and Gutierrez, Barbara Castrellon and Neyer, Anne-Katrin},
volume = {74},
number = {2}
}