Technology and structure of nursing organizations.

Theory building and theory application in nursing administration enable the nurse executive to work more effectively at the managerial task. Alexander and Mark apply a model that allows for comparison and contrast between various nursing units based on the nature of their work as assessed on the variables of technology and structure. In this model, technology is assessed on three dimensions: instability, variability, and uncertainty; and structure is assessed as to vertical participation, horizontal participation, and formalization. Cases studies clarify the model and show its application.