Positives of the research paper:

Previous study had several deficiencies which are overcome in present study
Important organizational informant was asked the principal functions of the board and the
characteristics that are important in the selection of the board members. Thus function of the board is
noted that cooptation partly mitigate the hostility of important groups in environment but this
frequently gave up some control over its decisions.

The measure of organizational effectiveness utilized in this studythe ability to
Obtain resourcesis more likely to be related to the success of the linkage of the organization to its
environment and thus provides a more accurate assessment of the effect of the board of directors on
organizational performance.
Vance and lanser examined board structure as an independent variable affecting organizational success.
Pfeiffer considered board size and composition as dependent variable related to environmental
contingency.

There are two issues raised when hospital boards of directors are considered as linkages between the
organization and its environment. First, there is the issue of the different functions boards of directors may
perform, and second, there are the different forms and methods of linkage between organizations and
their environments.

Size of the board is related to size of an organization. There are also other mechanism besides board of
director to link organization to environment.

It is the purpose of this study to examine the board of directors as a means of obtaining support from the
environment, the functions of the board, and the relationships between organizational context and the function,
size, and composition of the board.

It is evident that the problems of obtaining support and resources, and therefore the function of the board, will differ
with both ownership and sources of funding. Board members may be selected to represent various consumer,
constituent, or other interested groups within the community.

It is argued that the function of the board of directors is related to the context of the organization.
Second, it is then argued that the size and composition of the board is related to the environment as
well as the function that the board is expected to serve. Third, it is hypothesized that the relations of the
hospital with the local community will be influenced by the type of hospital (Elling and Halebsky, 1961),
the function of the board, and how well the board links the organization to its environment. Finally, it is
argued that the ability of the hospital to attract resources is a function of its relations with the local
community, and the function, size, and composition of the board.

The percentage of the board made up of business leaders was positively correlated with contributions
and negatively related to both program participation and meeting attendance.