Centralized versus Distributed Organizational Structures
http://www.stc.org/confproceed/1999/PDFs/stc-63.pdf

Hackos, JoAnn T.
STC Proceedings
1999

Abstract:

The nature of a corporation and its product line(s) influences the optimal structure for your information-development organization. When lines of business are unrelated, information-development organizations may best function independently; when lines of business are interrelated, the groups need a unified strategy. While favored by product developers and business leaders, distributed structures can produce inconsistent information quality to customers. Centralized organizations can meet customer needs, but they are often perceived as focusing on publication quality rather than content. The best solution may be a hybrid structure that takes advantage of the strengths of both.