Andrew Vincent
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199271252
- eISBN:
- 9780191601101
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199271259.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Explores the generic foundations of political theory in the twentieth century. It sorts and analyses the overarching perceptions of the political theory, at a broad level of generality, during the ...
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Explores the generic foundations of political theory in the twentieth century. It sorts and analyses the overarching perceptions of the political theory, at a broad level of generality, during the bulk of the century. The five positions outlined are normative political theory, institutional theory, historical political theory, empirical political theory, and ideological theory.Less
Explores the generic foundations of political theory in the twentieth century. It sorts and analyses the overarching perceptions of the political theory, at a broad level of generality, during the bulk of the century. The five positions outlined are normative political theory, institutional theory, historical political theory, empirical political theory, and ideological theory.
Chrisanthi Avgerou
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199263424
- eISBN:
- 9780191714252
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199263424.003.0002
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Organization Studies
This chapter draws on institutionalist theory, which takes social structures and long-enduring organizing processes to be historically formed and culturally sustained. From this general theoretical ...
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This chapter draws on institutionalist theory, which takes social structures and long-enduring organizing processes to be historically formed and culturally sustained. From this general theoretical perspective, both management and ICT are seen as institutionally constituted. The chapter draws from studies which argued that far from being merely the outcome of rational knowledge, management know-how is the result of specific social processes. Rather than seeing ICT as a set of converging technologies that spread everywhere by virtue of their technical functionality, ICT is discussed as a network of industries, professions, and widely cultivated assumptions about the value of information, computers, and telecommunications in modern society.Less
This chapter draws on institutionalist theory, which takes social structures and long-enduring organizing processes to be historically formed and culturally sustained. From this general theoretical perspective, both management and ICT are seen as institutionally constituted. The chapter draws from studies which argued that far from being merely the outcome of rational knowledge, management know-how is the result of specific social processes. Rather than seeing ICT as a set of converging technologies that spread everywhere by virtue of their technical functionality, ICT is discussed as a network of industries, professions, and widely cultivated assumptions about the value of information, computers, and telecommunications in modern society.
Luiz F. Mesquita
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199233755
- eISBN:
- 9780191715549
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199233755.003.0016
- Subject:
- Business and Management, International Business
Latin America presents unique challenges, such as roller-coaster bouts of economic development boom and bust; massive presence of state in the economy; failing markets for human and physical capital, ...
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Latin America presents unique challenges, such as roller-coaster bouts of economic development boom and bust; massive presence of state in the economy; failing markets for human and physical capital, and many other intermediate production goods; and underdeveloped and unstable institutional environments, especially in areas related to finance and law. Some firms have successfully learned how to navigate such a difficult environment. This book aims to help disseminate the lessons these firms bring to other firms and economic sectors. This chapter summarizes these in light of three leading theoretical perspectives: institutional theory, transaction cost economics, and the resource-based view of the firm. The chapter weaves common threads across the studies, and distills common strategic factors and decisions used by successful Latin American firms to compete.Less
Latin America presents unique challenges, such as roller-coaster bouts of economic development boom and bust; massive presence of state in the economy; failing markets for human and physical capital, and many other intermediate production goods; and underdeveloped and unstable institutional environments, especially in areas related to finance and law. Some firms have successfully learned how to navigate such a difficult environment. This book aims to help disseminate the lessons these firms bring to other firms and economic sectors. This chapter summarizes these in light of three leading theoretical perspectives: institutional theory, transaction cost economics, and the resource-based view of the firm. The chapter weaves common threads across the studies, and distills common strategic factors and decisions used by successful Latin American firms to compete.
Andrea M. Herrmann
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199543434
- eISBN:
- 9780191715693
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199543434.003.0007
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Strategy, Political Economy
This chapter summarizes and interprets the results obtained throughout the book. It recapitulates that international institutions and contracts serve as functional equivalents to national ...
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This chapter summarizes and interprets the results obtained throughout the book. It recapitulates that international institutions and contracts serve as functional equivalents to national institutions since they enable firms to secure required input factors for different competitive strategies and, hence, to compete despite comparative institutional disadvantages. Elaborating on these findings, the chapter shows how they can contribute to current theoretical debates. More concretely, they shed light on suggestions found in strategic management theories that underscore factor heterogeneity; on arguments in the institutional literature about how institutions matter; on suggestions about how national policy-making can promote corporate competitiveness; and on convergence and divergence theories of internationalization and its influence on entrepreneurial practices.Less
This chapter summarizes and interprets the results obtained throughout the book. It recapitulates that international institutions and contracts serve as functional equivalents to national institutions since they enable firms to secure required input factors for different competitive strategies and, hence, to compete despite comparative institutional disadvantages. Elaborating on these findings, the chapter shows how they can contribute to current theoretical debates. More concretely, they shed light on suggestions found in strategic management theories that underscore factor heterogeneity; on arguments in the institutional literature about how institutions matter; on suggestions about how national policy-making can promote corporate competitiveness; and on convergence and divergence theories of internationalization and its influence on entrepreneurial practices.
Patricia J. Arnold
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199546350
- eISBN:
- 9780191720048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199546350.003.0003
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Organization Studies, Finance, Accounting, and Banking
This chapter summarizes the contributions that institutional theory has made to our understanding of the forces driving the internationalization of financial accounting which is characterized by the ...
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This chapter summarizes the contributions that institutional theory has made to our understanding of the forces driving the internationalization of financial accounting which is characterized by the harmonization of accounting standards and the creation of integrated global markets for accounting services and accounting labour. Institutionalism is defined broadly to include a broad spectrum of multidisciplinary scholarship at the micro, mezzo, and macro level of analysis. The chapter argues that institutional analysis, broadly defined, is capable of interrogating not only the social and cultural underpinning of accounting practice, but also the political and economic forces that underlie the internationalization of financial accounting. Directions for future international accounting research aimed at understanding developments within the accounting field within the context of the financialization of the world political economy over the past quarter century are discussed.Less
This chapter summarizes the contributions that institutional theory has made to our understanding of the forces driving the internationalization of financial accounting which is characterized by the harmonization of accounting standards and the creation of integrated global markets for accounting services and accounting labour. Institutionalism is defined broadly to include a broad spectrum of multidisciplinary scholarship at the micro, mezzo, and macro level of analysis. The chapter argues that institutional analysis, broadly defined, is capable of interrogating not only the social and cultural underpinning of accounting practice, but also the political and economic forces that underlie the internationalization of financial accounting. Directions for future international accounting research aimed at understanding developments within the accounting field within the context of the financialization of the world political economy over the past quarter century are discussed.
Verta Taylor and Mayer N. Zald
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195388299
- eISBN:
- 9780199866519
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195388299.003.0018
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter locates U.S. health institutions in the context of American society and culture, exploring “American Exceptionalism” and its implications for the particular structure and culture of ...
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This chapter locates U.S. health institutions in the context of American society and culture, exploring “American Exceptionalism” and its implications for the particular structure and culture of health institutions. This context limits and shapes the forms and processes of social movements and collective action that occur. The chapter then uses the earlier chapters, as well as the broader literature, to argue how U.S. health institutions shape, and are shaped by, social movements. The range is broad and includes research that deals with movements aimed at shaping the overall financing and governance of U.S. health institutions, the internal workings of organizations, professions, and occupations, self‐help movements, and movements about particular disease and disability entities. One of main questions raised is the relevance of contemporary social movement theory, largely dealing with political movements, for the analysis of movements oriented towards specific institutions. Key concepts of institutional theory are also discussed. The key concepts of contemporary theory, with modifications, can be usefully employed in examining institutional movements. These key concepts include fields, framing processes, political opportunities, resources, collective identity, and mobilization processes.Less
This chapter locates U.S. health institutions in the context of American society and culture, exploring “American Exceptionalism” and its implications for the particular structure and culture of health institutions. This context limits and shapes the forms and processes of social movements and collective action that occur. The chapter then uses the earlier chapters, as well as the broader literature, to argue how U.S. health institutions shape, and are shaped by, social movements. The range is broad and includes research that deals with movements aimed at shaping the overall financing and governance of U.S. health institutions, the internal workings of organizations, professions, and occupations, self‐help movements, and movements about particular disease and disability entities. One of main questions raised is the relevance of contemporary social movement theory, largely dealing with political movements, for the analysis of movements oriented towards specific institutions. Key concepts of institutional theory are also discussed. The key concepts of contemporary theory, with modifications, can be usefully employed in examining institutional movements. These key concepts include fields, framing processes, political opportunities, resources, collective identity, and mobilization processes.
Steven Casper
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199269525
- eISBN:
- 9780191710025
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269525.003.0008
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy
Governments around the world are investing resources and designing policies aimed at promoting competitiveness in new technology industries. This chapter summarizes key findings from the study, ...
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Governments around the world are investing resources and designing policies aimed at promoting competitiveness in new technology industries. This chapter summarizes key findings from the study, emphasizing the on-going importance of national institutional frameworks in structuring patterns of innovation within the economy. While evidence from the US, UK, Germany, and Sweden support comparative institutional approaches such as the varieties of capitalism theory, evidence from the study does show that public policy is an important complement to institutions, and can be used to enhance national competitiveness in new technology industries.Less
Governments around the world are investing resources and designing policies aimed at promoting competitiveness in new technology industries. This chapter summarizes key findings from the study, emphasizing the on-going importance of national institutional frameworks in structuring patterns of innovation within the economy. While evidence from the US, UK, Germany, and Sweden support comparative institutional approaches such as the varieties of capitalism theory, evidence from the study does show that public policy is an important complement to institutions, and can be used to enhance national competitiveness in new technology industries.
Martin Kitchener
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195388299
- eISBN:
- 9780199866519
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195388299.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter extends institutional theory to analyze processes by which resource‐poor actors initiate new structures within fields of healthcare organizations. Using insights from studies of ...
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This chapter extends institutional theory to analyze processes by which resource‐poor actors initiate new structures within fields of healthcare organizations. Using insights from studies of counter‐movements, political opportunity structures, and social processes, a series of propositions are derived and illustrated using three case studies of institutional change driven by health reform movements: abortion rights, AIDS, and long‐term care. The framework assumes that multiple belief systems (logics) within healthcare fields ensure that institutional arrangements will be challenged, sometimes by reform movements. Five aspects of political opportunity structures support such efforts: organizational fields that are centralized and immature, an open policy context, a decentralized state, neighboring fields of reform activity, and journalistic standards of balanced reporting. Health reform movements are enabled by networked forms of leadership, the development of equivalent capacities to counter‐movements, and leaders framing an array of arguments. Successful reform processes are likely to be slow, highly contested, and result in the new structure being accommodated alongside aspects of the traditional arrangements.Less
This chapter extends institutional theory to analyze processes by which resource‐poor actors initiate new structures within fields of healthcare organizations. Using insights from studies of counter‐movements, political opportunity structures, and social processes, a series of propositions are derived and illustrated using three case studies of institutional change driven by health reform movements: abortion rights, AIDS, and long‐term care. The framework assumes that multiple belief systems (logics) within healthcare fields ensure that institutional arrangements will be challenged, sometimes by reform movements. Five aspects of political opportunity structures support such efforts: organizational fields that are centralized and immature, an open policy context, a decentralized state, neighboring fields of reform activity, and journalistic standards of balanced reporting. Health reform movements are enabled by networked forms of leadership, the development of equivalent capacities to counter‐movements, and leaders framing an array of arguments. Successful reform processes are likely to be slow, highly contested, and result in the new structure being accommodated alongside aspects of the traditional arrangements.
Andrea M. Herrmann
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199543434
- eISBN:
- 9780191715693
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199543434.003.0006
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Strategy, Political Economy
This chapter explores corporate success. It addresses the question: Are pharmaceutical firms less successful if they pursue strategies that are not supported by national institutions? Given that ...
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This chapter explores corporate success. It addresses the question: Are pharmaceutical firms less successful if they pursue strategies that are not supported by national institutions? Given that quantitative analyses do not support this idea, the chapter examines the strategy choices of entrepreneurs. Since institutional considerations are of limited importance to this end, on which grounds do entrepreneurs base their choice of a competitive strategy? Qualitative comparisons of interviews with managers reveal that technological opportunities to transform inventions or imitations into marketable products are of major concern when entrepreneurs choose their firms' strategy. The chapter concludes by illustrating the implications that result from these findings for institutional theories.Less
This chapter explores corporate success. It addresses the question: Are pharmaceutical firms less successful if they pursue strategies that are not supported by national institutions? Given that quantitative analyses do not support this idea, the chapter examines the strategy choices of entrepreneurs. Since institutional considerations are of limited importance to this end, on which grounds do entrepreneurs base their choice of a competitive strategy? Qualitative comparisons of interviews with managers reveal that technological opportunities to transform inventions or imitations into marketable products are of major concern when entrepreneurs choose their firms' strategy. The chapter concludes by illustrating the implications that result from these findings for institutional theories.
Eoin Carolan
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199568673
- eISBN:
- 9780191721588
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199568673.003.0009
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Public International Law
This chapter provides a brief overview of the arguments made throughout the book, and seeks to place them in some sort of academic or historical context. It argues that there are specific ...
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This chapter provides a brief overview of the arguments made throughout the book, and seeks to place them in some sort of academic or historical context. It argues that there are specific similarities between the model proposed and classic republican theory. In particular, the model shares a concern for non-arbitrariness, a commitment to the common good or public interest, a faith in the technique of distributing power amongst different institutions. In addition, it organizes that distribution of power by entrusting influence to institutions which are intended to represent particular social interests. This is similar to classic republicanism, except that it replaces fixed social classes with abstract constituent interests.Less
This chapter provides a brief overview of the arguments made throughout the book, and seeks to place them in some sort of academic or historical context. It argues that there are specific similarities between the model proposed and classic republican theory. In particular, the model shares a concern for non-arbitrariness, a commitment to the common good or public interest, a faith in the technique of distributing power amongst different institutions. In addition, it organizes that distribution of power by entrusting influence to institutions which are intended to represent particular social interests. This is similar to classic republicanism, except that it replaces fixed social classes with abstract constituent interests.
Eoin Carolan
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199568673
- eISBN:
- 9780191721588
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199568673.003.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Public International Law
This chapter examines the relationship between institutional theory and the constitutional order. It argues that a constitution has a valuable part to play in securing the sense of commonality and ...
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This chapter examines the relationship between institutional theory and the constitutional order. It argues that a constitution has a valuable part to play in securing the sense of commonality and shared values which is necessary for an organised polity to function successfully. The constitution does this, not only by recognising certain values and objectives, but also by providing a mechanism for providing examples of state enforcement of these values and for managing ongoing debates about social values. Institutional theory is critically important to these latter two tasks. This chapter argues therefore that the efficacy of an institutional theory should be assessed in part by reference to these factors.Less
This chapter examines the relationship between institutional theory and the constitutional order. It argues that a constitution has a valuable part to play in securing the sense of commonality and shared values which is necessary for an organised polity to function successfully. The constitution does this, not only by recognising certain values and objectives, but also by providing a mechanism for providing examples of state enforcement of these values and for managing ongoing debates about social values. Institutional theory is critically important to these latter two tasks. This chapter argues therefore that the efficacy of an institutional theory should be assessed in part by reference to these factors.
KEITH CULVER and MICHAEL GIUDICE
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195370751
- eISBN:
- 9780199775903
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195370751.003.005
- Subject:
- Law, Philosophy of Law
Separation of legality from the state is what enables our view to better explain without distortion the various forms of non-state prima facie legality whose emergence is too pervasive to leave ...
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Separation of legality from the state is what enables our view to better explain without distortion the various forms of non-state prima facie legality whose emergence is too pervasive to leave outside the scope of a balanced general jurisprudence. This chapter returns to the prima facie legalities identified in Chapter 1, and shows fully how freedom from the ideas of legal official, legal system, and hierarchy (and so in general the idea of “chains of validity”) is crucial to responsive descriptive-explanation of legality broadly.Less
Separation of legality from the state is what enables our view to better explain without distortion the various forms of non-state prima facie legality whose emergence is too pervasive to leave outside the scope of a balanced general jurisprudence. This chapter returns to the prima facie legalities identified in Chapter 1, and shows fully how freedom from the ideas of legal official, legal system, and hierarchy (and so in general the idea of “chains of validity”) is crucial to responsive descriptive-explanation of legality broadly.
Tim Büthe and Walter Mattli
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691144795
- eISBN:
- 9781400838790
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691144795.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter examines the distributional consequences of shifting rule-making to the international private and nonmarket sphere. In particular, it asks who wins, who loses, and why when international ...
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This chapter examines the distributional consequences of shifting rule-making to the international private and nonmarket sphere. In particular, it asks who wins, who loses, and why when international standard-setting takes place in private focal rule-making institutions. It considers what is distinctive about the politics of rule-making in these transnational institutions, what defines power in these organizations, and how it operates. The chapter answers these questions using institutional complementarity theory. It first provides an overview of the institutional setting of nonmarket private governance, focusing on actors and sources of power, before discussing institutional complementarity, effective representation of domestic interests at the international level, and timeliness of involvement and information. It shows that domestic standardization systems characterized by institutional hierarchy facilitate the accommodation of the new institutional layers of standardization activity above the national level.Less
This chapter examines the distributional consequences of shifting rule-making to the international private and nonmarket sphere. In particular, it asks who wins, who loses, and why when international standard-setting takes place in private focal rule-making institutions. It considers what is distinctive about the politics of rule-making in these transnational institutions, what defines power in these organizations, and how it operates. The chapter answers these questions using institutional complementarity theory. It first provides an overview of the institutional setting of nonmarket private governance, focusing on actors and sources of power, before discussing institutional complementarity, effective representation of domestic interests at the international level, and timeliness of involvement and information. It shows that domestic standardization systems characterized by institutional hierarchy facilitate the accommodation of the new institutional layers of standardization activity above the national level.
Bart Nooteboom
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199241002
- eISBN:
- 9780191696886
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199241002.003.0005
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Innovation, Organization Studies
This chapter delves more deeply into the concept of institutions: What are they, how do they function, what is their role in economics, how do they develop? It recognizes different strands of ...
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This chapter delves more deeply into the concept of institutions: What are they, how do they function, what is their role in economics, how do they develop? It recognizes different strands of institutional theory, and tries to build bridges between them. It yields criticism and a transformation of transaction-cost economics.Less
This chapter delves more deeply into the concept of institutions: What are they, how do they function, what is their role in economics, how do they develop? It recognizes different strands of institutional theory, and tries to build bridges between them. It yields criticism and a transformation of transaction-cost economics.
Robert Kraut
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199228126
- eISBN:
- 9780191711053
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199228126.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Aesthetics
The imagery of stepping out of a discourse and surveying it (without distortion) from an external perspective is familiar but problematic. It is not clear where we stand in conducting such surveys, ...
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The imagery of stepping out of a discourse and surveying it (without distortion) from an external perspective is familiar but problematic. It is not clear where we stand in conducting such surveys, or which resources we are permitted to deploy without falling prey to circularity, or even whether we have succeeded in stepping outside the discourse in question. Such ”externalist” perspective requires distancing oneself from one's own practices. This chapter critically explores the scope and limits of externalist explanation, and the extent to which the imagery of a studio musician listening to playback of his own performance provides a viable model of philosophical reflection.Less
The imagery of stepping out of a discourse and surveying it (without distortion) from an external perspective is familiar but problematic. It is not clear where we stand in conducting such surveys, or which resources we are permitted to deploy without falling prey to circularity, or even whether we have succeeded in stepping outside the discourse in question. Such ”externalist” perspective requires distancing oneself from one's own practices. This chapter critically explores the scope and limits of externalist explanation, and the extent to which the imagery of a studio musician listening to playback of his own performance provides a viable model of philosophical reflection.
Tim Hallett
- Published in print:
- 2019
- Published Online:
- August 2019
- ISBN:
- 9780198843818
- eISBN:
- 9780191879517
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198843818.003.0004
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Organization Studies
Can we do institutional analysis without institutional theory? Should we? These provocative questions prompt a reflection on institutional thought, but they also serve as an invitation for scholars ...
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Can we do institutional analysis without institutional theory? Should we? These provocative questions prompt a reflection on institutional thought, but they also serve as an invitation for scholars in adjacent fields—process scholars among them—to reconsider the boundaries between fields and the benefits of crossing them. Such benefits are evident in the work of the founders of institutional theory, none of who were self-consciously “institutional” as they embarked on their careers. Reviewing their work reveals four keys for doing institutional analysis without institutional theory, and the importance of doing so. It also reveals some of the limits of contemporary institutional theory: The dominance of institutional theory in organizational studies is problematic in the sense that many of the most important insights and developments in institutional theory emerged through cross-fertilization across multiple fields, rather than the narrow cultivation of one.Less
Can we do institutional analysis without institutional theory? Should we? These provocative questions prompt a reflection on institutional thought, but they also serve as an invitation for scholars in adjacent fields—process scholars among them—to reconsider the boundaries between fields and the benefits of crossing them. Such benefits are evident in the work of the founders of institutional theory, none of who were self-consciously “institutional” as they embarked on their careers. Reviewing their work reveals four keys for doing institutional analysis without institutional theory, and the importance of doing so. It also reveals some of the limits of contemporary institutional theory: The dominance of institutional theory in organizational studies is problematic in the sense that many of the most important insights and developments in institutional theory emerged through cross-fertilization across multiple fields, rather than the narrow cultivation of one.
Eric W Orts
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199670918
- eISBN:
- 9780191749599
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199670918.003.0002
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Organization Studies
This chapter sets forth a conceptual understanding of the firm as an organizational “entity” with “legal personality.” This idea is foundational for a modern legal theory of the firm. The chapter ...
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This chapter sets forth a conceptual understanding of the firm as an organizational “entity” with “legal personality.” This idea is foundational for a modern legal theory of the firm. The chapter resurrects ideas regarding the nature of the business corporation (as one specific kind of firm). It also explains how thinking of firms as legal fictions, entities, and persons is key to understanding how they have evolved over time. Against contemporary economists and legal scholars who have been impatient and dismissive of these ideas, the chapter argues that fictions, entities, and persons are essential concepts that are useful for many different purposes in business practice. These purposes include the naming, representation, and standing of firms, as well as the phenomenon of organizational “shapeshifting.” The chapter compares and contrasts “bottom-up” and “top-down” theories of the firm and argues in favor of an institutional legal theory of the firm includes both perspectives.Less
This chapter sets forth a conceptual understanding of the firm as an organizational “entity” with “legal personality.” This idea is foundational for a modern legal theory of the firm. The chapter resurrects ideas regarding the nature of the business corporation (as one specific kind of firm). It also explains how thinking of firms as legal fictions, entities, and persons is key to understanding how they have evolved over time. Against contemporary economists and legal scholars who have been impatient and dismissive of these ideas, the chapter argues that fictions, entities, and persons are essential concepts that are useful for many different purposes in business practice. These purposes include the naming, representation, and standing of firms, as well as the phenomenon of organizational “shapeshifting.” The chapter compares and contrasts “bottom-up” and “top-down” theories of the firm and argues in favor of an institutional legal theory of the firm includes both perspectives.
Elizabeth Yardley and David Wilson
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9781447326458
- eISBN:
- 9781447327639
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447326458.003.0005
- Subject:
- Sociology, Law, Crime and Deviance
The final chapter draws together the findings from the analysis and considers how the approach taken was useful in making sense of Mary Ann Cotton in ways that existing frameworks for understanding ...
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The final chapter draws together the findings from the analysis and considers how the approach taken was useful in making sense of Mary Ann Cotton in ways that existing frameworks for understanding female serial killers are not. The authors argue that their approach – institutional mediation - has the potential to be a trailblazer for broader understandings of individual female serial killers. In addition, wider use of institutional mediation is also considered in relation to studies of homicide beyond serial killing.Less
The final chapter draws together the findings from the analysis and considers how the approach taken was useful in making sense of Mary Ann Cotton in ways that existing frameworks for understanding female serial killers are not. The authors argue that their approach – institutional mediation - has the potential to be a trailblazer for broader understandings of individual female serial killers. In addition, wider use of institutional mediation is also considered in relation to studies of homicide beyond serial killing.
Wolfgang Streeck
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199573981
- eISBN:
- 9780191702136
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199573981.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Political Economy, International Business
This book addresses some of the key issues in the field of comparative political economy and institutional theory: the role of history in institutional analysis, the dynamics of slow institutional ...
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This book addresses some of the key issues in the field of comparative political economy and institutional theory: the role of history in institutional analysis, the dynamics of slow institutional change, the limitations of rational design and economic-functionalist explanations of institutional stability, and the recurrent difficulties of restraining the effects of capitalism on social order. In the classification of the ‘Varieties of Capitalism’ school, Germany has always been taken as the chief exemplar of a ‘European’, coordinated market economy. The book explores to what extent Germany actually conforms to this description. Its argument is supported by original empirical research on wage-setting and wage structure, the organization of business and labor in business associations and trade unions, social policy, public finance, and corporate governance. From this evidence, this book traces the current liberalization of the post-war economy of democratic capitalism by means of a historical approach to institutional change.Less
This book addresses some of the key issues in the field of comparative political economy and institutional theory: the role of history in institutional analysis, the dynamics of slow institutional change, the limitations of rational design and economic-functionalist explanations of institutional stability, and the recurrent difficulties of restraining the effects of capitalism on social order. In the classification of the ‘Varieties of Capitalism’ school, Germany has always been taken as the chief exemplar of a ‘European’, coordinated market economy. The book explores to what extent Germany actually conforms to this description. Its argument is supported by original empirical research on wage-setting and wage structure, the organization of business and labor in business associations and trade unions, social policy, public finance, and corporate governance. From this evidence, this book traces the current liberalization of the post-war economy of democratic capitalism by means of a historical approach to institutional change.
Patricia H. Thornton, William Ocasio, and Michael Lounsbury
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199601936
- eISBN:
- 9780191767036
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199601936.003.0002
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Organization Studies
This chapter analyzes how the institutional logic perspective develops from, yet is distinct from, neo-institutional theory. Its main distinguishing feature is the capacity to theorize the duality of ...
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This chapter analyzes how the institutional logic perspective develops from, yet is distinct from, neo-institutional theory. Its main distinguishing feature is the capacity to theorize the duality of the material-practice-based aspects of institutions and their cultural-symbolic-based aspects. The neo-institutional perspective is a set of concepts and theories of environmental effects on organizational and cultural homogeneity. The institutional logics perspective is a metatheory of institutions that includes organizations and explains not simply homogeneity, but also heterogeneity. The chapter employs Berger and Zelditch's (1993) approach to analyzing theoretical research programs to identify the precursors, showing how the institutional logics perspective developed in reaction to theoretical limitations in neo-institutional theory. This analytic method allows us to examine and benchmark the growth of theoretical orienting strategies relative to one another.Less
This chapter analyzes how the institutional logic perspective develops from, yet is distinct from, neo-institutional theory. Its main distinguishing feature is the capacity to theorize the duality of the material-practice-based aspects of institutions and their cultural-symbolic-based aspects. The neo-institutional perspective is a set of concepts and theories of environmental effects on organizational and cultural homogeneity. The institutional logics perspective is a metatheory of institutions that includes organizations and explains not simply homogeneity, but also heterogeneity. The chapter employs Berger and Zelditch's (1993) approach to analyzing theoretical research programs to identify the precursors, showing how the institutional logics perspective developed in reaction to theoretical limitations in neo-institutional theory. This analytic method allows us to examine and benchmark the growth of theoretical orienting strategies relative to one another.
