Organisational design

The work of Cherns and Bryant (1984) in identifying temporary multiorganisational dynamics has been widely recognised by several academic authors. Anumba et al. (1996), Luck and Newcombe (1996), Shirazi et al. (1996) and Winch (1989) have all discussed various aspects regarding project teams. Cherns and Bryant proposed 20 hypotheses which they acknowledged were subject to modification and qualification in the light of further evidence. Indeed, they recognised that very little research had been conducted in this area: ‘with the appointment of consultants, contractors and subcontractors we are in the less well-charted waters of multi-organisational dynamics’ (Cherns and Bryant 1984:180).