Division of Labor Through Self-Selection

Self-selection–based division of labor has gained visibility through its role in varied organizational contexts such as nonhierarchical firms, agile teams, and project-based organizations. Yet, we know relatively little about the precise conditions under which it can outperform traditional allocation work to workers by managers. We develop a computational agent-based model that conceives matching process between workers’ skills tasks. This allows us examine detail when why different approaches may enjoy relative advantage. find specific confluence self-selection an advantage over staffing practices arising from matching: employees are very skilled but at only narrow range tasks, task structure is decomposable, employee availability unforeseeable. Absent these conditions, must rely on benefits enhanced motivation or better based worker’s private information skills, dominate more processes. These boundary noteworthy both for those who study well wish implement forms organizing self-selection.