Reconstructing institutional complexity in practice:a relational model of institutional work and complexity

Abstract

This article develops a relational model of institutional work and complexity. This model advances current institutional debates on institutional complexity and institutional work in three ways. First, it provides a relational and dynamic perspective on institutional complexity by explaining how constellations of logics - and their degree of internal contradiction - are constructed rather than given. Second, it refines our current understanding of agency, intentionality and effort in institutional work by demonstrating how different dimensions of agency interact dynamically in the institutional work of reconstructing institutional complexity. Third, it situates institutional work in the everyday practice of individuals coping with the institutional complexities of their work. In doing so, it reconnects the construction of institutionally complex settings to the actions and interactions of the individuals who inhabit them.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0018726712471407
Divisions: College of Business and Social Sciences > Aston Business School > Economics, Finance & Entrepreneurship
College of Business and Social Sciences > Aston Business School
Uncontrolled Keywords: agency,global law firms,intentionality,practice theory,professional service firms,relationality,Management of Technology and Innovation,Strategy and Management,Social Sciences(all),Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
Publication ISSN: 1741-282X
Last Modified: 21 Mar 2024 08:40
Date Deposited: 12 Nov 2015 10:30
Full Text Link: http://hum.sage ... tent/66/10/1279
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2013-10
Published Online Date: 2013-03-19
Authors: Smets, Michael
Jarzabkowski, Paula

Download

[img]

Version: Accepted Version


Export / Share Citation


Statistics

Additional statistics for this record