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Institutional Theory

Institutional Theory is a concept that examines how organizations are influenced by their environments, including social norms, values, and rules. It highlights that organizations don't just operate based on efficiency or profit; they also adapt to pressures from their surroundings, such as legal requirements, cultural expectations, and stakeholder demands. This theory suggests that these external influences shape organizational behavior and structures, leading them to conform and maintain legitimacy within their context, which can affect their success and sustainability in the long run.

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    Institutional theory is a framework that examines how organizations are influenced by the rules, norms, and beliefs that exist within their environment. It suggests that organizations conform to these societal expectations to gain legitimacy, resources, and stability. This can involve adopting certain practices, structures, or behaviors that are deemed acceptable or appropriate in their field. Ultimately, institutional theory helps explain why organizations in similar contexts often appear similar, as they navigate pressures from stakeholders, regulations, and cultural norms to survive and thrive.

  • Image for Institutional Theory

    Institutional theory examines how organizations are influenced by the rules, norms, and values of the environments in which they operate. It suggests that organizations adopt certain practices and structures not just for efficiency, but to gain legitimacy and social acceptance. This means that organizations will often conform to the expectations of their stakeholders, such as government regulations, industry standards, or cultural norms, to be seen as credible and trustworthy. Essentially, it highlights the interplay between organizations and the larger social framework that shapes their behaviors and decisions.