Institutional factors influencing knowledge production for practice: Evidence from nonprofit studies

Abstract

This study theorizes and tests an institutional-logics framework to explain why some universities produce more practical knowledge than others using nonprofit studies as an example. Empirically, knowledge production for practice can be increased by (1) graduate degree programs with an emphasis on nonprofit management, (2) research centers on nonprofit studies, and (3) location in disadvantaged communities; however, (4) status as an R1 or R2 research university substantially decreases the production of practical knowledge. Furthermore, (5) research centers can mediate the influence of community needs on knowledge production, so that universities with nonprofit research centers are more responsive to solving community issues. Theoretically, knowledge production follows the institutional logics of both closed and open systems, and institutions such as research centers that can repackage the culture of open systems to make it acceptable to closed systems are essential mediators.