Översikt

  • Unit 1: Introduction to institutions and institutional theory

    The first unit is an introduction to institutional theory. The purpose of the unit is to form an initial understanding of what institutions are and how novel things can be institutionalized, meaning that they become widespread on a societal level and are considered “normal”

    Start the unit by watching the introductory video "What are institutions and institutionalization" or read its text version.

    Next, you select one of the two academic articles and read it fully: either DiMaggio & Powell (1983) or Scott (2014). In this unit, you coordinate with your group who reads what so that not everyone reads the same article (everyone reads either DiMaggio & Powell, 1983 or Scott, 2014). In the group discussion of this unit, your task is to explain your article or book chapter to group members that have not read the same article. When more than one person has read the same article, you augment each other’s explanations. Also, discuss some or all of the general guiding questions for group discussion that are listed in the course syllabus.

    The first is an article on how organizations may become more similar with each other not because it is technically justified but because they mimick each other (DiMaggio & Powell, 1983). The second is a book chapter on the how institutions are enforced (Scott, 2014).

    In addition, the unit material includes a voluntary reading for the inquisitive. It gives an example of an institution that does not yet exist but might be formed in the future: data trusts (Ruhaak, 24.2.2021).

     

    Article (academic, media or other)

    Why this article / what part of the article

    DiMaggio, P. J., & Powell, W. W. (1983). The iron cage revisited: Institutional isomorphism and collective rationality in organizational fields. American Sociological Review, 147-160.

    Conceptual article on how organizations become more similar with each other. It is a classic. Choose one of the two academic readings. Read the full article. (13 pages)

    Scott, W. R. (2014). Institutions and organizations: Ideas, interests, and identities. Sage publications. Pages 56-70.

    The first edition was published in 1995.

     

    The three pillars framework of Scott is a classic. It describes how institutions are upheld by a regulative pillar, a normative pillar, and a cultural-cognitive pillar. Choose one of the two academic readings. Start reading from the part “Defining institutions” on page 56 and read until page 70 to the end of the part on the cultural-cognitive pillar. (13 pages)

    Ruhaak, Anouk (24.2.2021) How data trusts can protect privacy. MIT technology review. https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/02/24/1017801/data-trust-cybersecurity-big-tech-privacy/

    Voluntary reading for reflection. Illustrative example of an institution that does not yet exist but might in the future: data trusts. (4 pages of text)

     


    • Fil icon
      What are institutions and institutionalization (text version of video) Fil PDF
    • Mapp icon
      Unit 1 Readings Mapp
    • Forum icon
      Unit 1 Discussion forum
    • Inlämningsuppgift icon
      Unit 1 Group discussion report Inlämningsuppgift
    • Inlämningsuppgift icon
      Unit 1 List of attendants in group discussion Inlämningsuppgift
    • Turnitin Uppgift icon
      Unit 1 Individual essay Turnitin Uppgift
◄ Previous section
Template for notes on articles
Next section ►
Unit 2: Shareholders, stakeholders, and corporate control