<p>Traditional and cont emporary studies of spatial administrative systems are reviewed. Economic, political and historical factors are related to patterns of administrative areas. The hypothesized relationships are tested using data for the Ontario Hydro-Electric Power Commission. Linear and quadratic models relating functional costs to workload of the administrative areas are offered. The quadratic models incorporate the concept of the long-run average cost curve. A theoretical relationship between the shape of an administrative area and the level of economic efficiency is tested. Linear programming is used to simulate administrative patterns. Four indices are used to describe and compare the patterns. One of the indices, the weighted mean, is used to operationalise Pred's Behavioural Matrix . Recommendations are made for future work. </p> / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)