Unlocking the institutionalization process: insights for an institutionalizing approach

Abstract

The neoinstitutional theory has been characterized by some scholars in the field of organizational studies as a supposedly deterministic approach. We will demonstrate in this paper that this characterization cannot be impinged on the neoinstitutional perspective in a generalized way, but only to a dichotomic reading of it, that is typical of monoparadigmatic views of the process of institutionalization. With this demonstration, we defend the idea of the institutional theory as a multiparadigmatic theory. To this end, we present arguments for a recursive approach of the institutionalization process, highlighting that the notions of structure, agency and interpretation are more suitably dealt with when defended as fundamental elements of institutionalization as a recurrent, guaranteed process that is conditioned, not determined, by a certain degree of stabilization of social systems. We conclude the essay with methodological considerations on the consequences of the use of the proposal for a recurrent systemic-process approach of institutionalization for the development of research in the field of organizational studies.

Economic rents and legitimacy: incorporating elements of organizational analysis institutional theory to the field of business strategy

“…The view that the relationship between agency and structure is of a chiefly recursive nature and mediated by interpretation (Machado-da-Silva, Fonseca, & Crubellate, 2005) challenges the prevalent Business Strategy argument that strategy determines structure (Chandler, 1962). Simultaneous emphasis on agency and structure questions the validity of the assumptions of several of the field's theoretical schools.…”

O que é legitimidade organizacional?

“…Legitimidade é o conceito central do institucionalismo organizacional (CRUBELLATE; PASCUCCI; GRAVE, 2008;SUCHMAN, 2008;FONSECA;CRUBELLATE, 2005;SCOTT, 1998;SCOTT, 2008;SUCHMAN, 1995). Sua importância deriva da premissa de que as organizações, enquanto parte do sistema social (PARSONS, 1956), necessitam mais do que recursos técnicos e informação do ambiente, elas necessitam de aceitação e credibilidade (SCOTT et al, 2000).…”

An analysis of the deinstitutionalization of inflation-adjusted accounting practices in Brazilian companies

“…The process of deinstitutionalization, unlike the change process, has received little attention from scholars (Scott, 2001;Machado-da-Silva et al, 2005). Deinstitutionalization refers to the process through which institutions weaken and disappear.…”

“…In both dimensions, the organizations tend to appear legitimate before their shareholders and stakeholders, thus ensuring access to the resources that are necessary for survival (DiMaggio & Powell, 1983;Meyer & Rowan, 1991;Scapens, 2006). Machado-da-Silva, Fonseca and Crubellate (2005) argued that this approach is used to understand the historicity and the recursion of structures and practices from an institutional perspective. They also noted that one of the contributions that neoinstitutional theory makes to organizational studies is that it emphasizes the influence of the environment, which, along with legitimacy and isomorphism, is a vital component of organizational survival.…”