Though different from that of Schoonhoven and Jelinek (1990, p. 107), we
provide a model for conceptualizing the “output” of the “quasi-formal
structure” of the firm. It is from this quasi-structure of teams, task forces and/or
committees that new meaning (semantic information) emerges. The formal
structure is devoted to transmitting syntactic information, necessary for
operating the firm, but unable to create the new meanings necessary for growth
and development. Hence, we find ourselves in agreement with Schoonhoven
and Jelinek, but believe that the “ad hocracy” proposed by Burns and Stalker
(1961) provides valuable insight into the operation of the quasi-formal
structure.