Week9 - Institutional Theory



Institutional Theory, as per the  readings,  seems to me as a theory that helps define rules and regulations in an organization. More importantly it considers processes that become authoritative  guidelines for social behaviour (Wikipedia). The main aim seems to be that of increasing  technical efficiency using a new form of social structure  (Scott, 2004). While different structures are prevalent across different  cultures, it is exciting to see that different organizations have similar structures. And this is important because that signifies the kind of the pressures organizations are subject to so that the authoritative guidelines are met.

Class Readings
1. Currie, Wendy, L. (2011) Institutional Theory of Information Technology, The oxford Handbook of Management Information Systems: Critical Perspectives and New Directions. http://tinyurl.com/kjj7hd9

2. Orlikowski, W. J., & Barley, S. R. (2001). Technology and institutions: What can research on information technology and research on organizations learn from each other? MIS Quarterly, 25(2), 145.

http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.94.7054&rep=rep1&type=pdf

Homework
Discuss the basic elements of Institutional Theory. Critique the theory. Show how you could use Institutional Theory to address an area within your own area of research?

My writeup is here

Comments on the homework.

Other Class Resources
Several other sources online to learn more about Institutional Theory here