Isomorphism, diffusion and decoupling: Concept evolution and theoretical challenges.

Eva Boxenbaum (1, 2) , Stefan Jonsson (3)

1 CGS i3 - Centre de Gestion Scientifique i3
2 CBS - Copenhagen Business School [Copenhagen]
3 Uppsala University

This chapter traces the evolution of the core theoretical constructs of isomorphism, decoupling and diffusion in organizational institutionalism. We first review the original theoretical formulations of these constructs and then examine their evolution in empirical research conducted over the past four decades. We point to unexamined and challenging aspects of this conceptual evolution, including the causal relationships among these core theoretical constructs. The chapter ends with a discussion of important theoretical frontiers to address in future research.

Mots clés: Diffusion; isomorphism; decoupling; institutional theory

Domaines: Gestion et management

Eva Boxenbaum, Stefan Jonsson. Isomorphism, diffusion and decoupling: Concept evolution and theoretical challenges.. R. Greenwood, C. Oliver, T. Lawrence & R. E. Meyer (Eds.). The SAGE Handbook of Organizational Institutionalism (2nd Ed.), SAGE, pp. 79-104, 2017. ⟨hal-01488051⟩