A reading of organizational institutionalism using Karl Weick's organizing theory

• Published in: Cadernos EBAPE.BR Vol. 17; no. 2; pp. 247 - 262
• Main Authors: Grigoletto, Fábio, Alves, Mario Aquino
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rio de Janeiro Fundação Getulio Vargas, EBAPE - Escola Brasileira de Administração Pública e de Empresas 01.04.2019
• Subjects: Collective action; Culture; Institutionalism; Institutionalization; Organization development; Organization theory; Social interaction
• ISSN: 1679-3951
• DOI: 10.1590/1679-395172948

The objective of this paper is to highlight the possibilities of using the organizing approach as a micro foundation for organizational institutionalism given that it presents a theory of action more adequate than the ones which predominate in the institutionalist works. Based on the assumption that action in organizations is guided by comprehensive institutional orders that are not, however, isolated from social interaction and sense-building processes, it is proposed to integrate institutional theory with the approach of organizing as a base for the analysis of organizational processes. Through a review of what we call different "waves" of neo-institutional theory in organizations, we theorize the relationship between organizing, sensemaking, and institutions. In addition to presenting a synthesis of the trajectory of organizational institutionalism, we highlight some epistemological shifts observed within this theoretical body over time. Finally, we present the potential contributions of the use of an analytical lens that takes the approach of organizing (WEICK, 1979) as a theoretical micro foundation suitable for the institutional analysis of strategies and practices employed for the maintenance in organization.