Community Context and Complexity of Organizational Structure in Neighborhood Associations

Abstract

Using data from neighborhood associations in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, this research examines the relationship between the structure of neighborhood associations and the characteristics of the population of their respective neighborhoods assuming that the social environment in which an association operates has an impact on the structure of the organization. The size of the association, the percentage of the neighborhood population that is Black socioeconomic status of the residents, and an age composition variable were positive predictors of the degree of complexity of organizational structure in the associations. Neighborhood stability exhibited a negative impact on complexity. The significance levels of some of these relationships changed when the neighborhood associations with mandatory membership were excluded. The age of the association did not have a significant impact on complexity.