Institutional Isomorphism

Abstract

Abstract The concept of institutional isomorphism has made an enduring contribution to sociological theories of organizations, elucidating distinctive ways in which institutional forces such as commonly shared norms and ideas shape organizations. Its core idea is that organizations' concerns for legitimacy constitute a major source of convergence and conformity in organizational forms and practices. Three major drivers of such convergence are identified: external pressure exerted by powerful organizations on dependent organizations to adopt specific forms and practices; conditions of uncertainty compelling organizations to emulate fellow organizations that are perceived to be more ..