Boundary units of an organization uniquely experience the tension between adaptation to environmental variation and maintaining stable outcomes for the rest of the organization. In our world of just-in-time supply chain systems, lot-sizes of one, lean manufacturing and an increasing focus on services, traditional forms of buffering such as queuing and warehousing are not available or less effective. This tension between stability and flexibility must be reconciled in the actions and processes of the boundary unit as reflected in recognizable patterns of action. In addition, the development and organizational adoption of workflow technologies has reduced coordination costs while automating and reifying business rules, both enabling and constraining organizational actions. The assimilation of these workflow systems may fundamentally alter the qualities of flexibility and rigidity in the performance of organizational routines, consequently altering properties of organizational flexibility and adaptation. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]